Seventeen new, solar-powered homes have been added to the ACT’s public housing portfolio, Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, announced. But the Canberra Liberals say that the ACT Government’s public housing program is a failure.

Ms Berry said the government has adapted designs for public housing stock to ensure that new homes meet the needs of tenants and to help tackle the rise in the cost-of-living through improved energy efficiency.

The Belconnen complex, opened today, consists of twelve two-bedroom apartments, four three-bedroom, and one two-bedroom townhouses, which can all access a 38 KW/30 KVA solar system on the roof, which will offset the complex’s annual carbon dioxide emission by 46 tons.

“These properties all have a minimum 7.5-star energy rating and a Class-C adaptable rating,” Ms Berry said.

A Class-C rating is an Australian standard requiring wider doors and corridors, to ensure disabled people who use wheelchairs can easily navigate the homes.  

A Class C adaptable home can be easily changed to accommodate disabled or old people with a disability or older people by installing grab rails, kitchen and bathroom modifications and have no stairs either inside or outside.

“I’m happy that public housing tenants will have access to a 38-Kilowatt solar system installed on the apartment building roof to help them with the cost of heating and cooling, and their energy bills overall, as well as contributing to the ACT Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions,” Ms Berry said.

The 17 dwellings each have a designated car space, and are close to public transport, shops, and parks.

The government’s Growing and Renewing Program has promised to deliver 1,400 new homes, including 400 public housing dwellings.

However, both the ACT Greens and the Canberra Liberals argued last year that the program was not working.

Today, Mark Parton MLA, shadow minister for housing and homelessness said: “The so-called Growth and Renewal Program has been one the biggest failures of the Barr government.

“This is despite huge population growth, obscene expenditure in the space, and the failure of the private rental market to supply an affordable product pushing more people to public housing.

“If only we hadn’t directed public housing asset sales profits to the tram. Public Housing is a disaster in this city, and I’m a little surprised that the Minister has been brave enough raise her head above the rubble to make any announcement.

“I look forward to the Canberra Liberals Housing policy announcement because we absolutely need a change.”