Urban renewal agenda welcomed by property industryUrban renewal is vital to the future of Canberra’s economic and social wellbeing, says the Property Council of Australia.The property industry has welcomed the ACT Government’s decision to overhaul the ACT’s public housing, which Chief Minister Andrew Barr has today said is “one of the key pillars of our commitment to urban renewal across Canberra.””We support the ACT Government’s urban renewal agenda, which is essential if we are to enhance the vibrancy and vitality of Civic and other parts of the Capital,” says the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Catherine Carter.”The Property Council agrees that bringing much of this ageing public housing stock up to contemporary standards is too costly, and that the only viable option is renewal.”The ACT Government’s Public Housing Renewal Taskforce, established in September 2014, will replace 1,288 outdated public housing units. Much of this housing stock is within the centre and inner north of Canberra, including Braddon, Dickson, Turner, Lyneham and along the Northbourne Avenue corridor. “We are keen to see further details of the ACT Government’s plan, including the proportion of government housing being retained versus private dwellings, as well as timeframes for this part of the urban renewal program,” Ms Carter says.”In addition to public housing, housing affordability remains a long-term issue in Canberra, which needs to remain at the top of the agenda. Our urban renewal efforts must include a commitment to providing affordable housing, so that we cater to the needs of all Canberrans.”The private sector is well placed to deliver affordable housing, and opening the market to competition will achieve the best outcomes for the people of Canberra,” Ms Carter concludes.Media contact: Catherine Carter, ACT Executive Director, 6248 6902 or 0412 330 079
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