Advocating for South Yarra residents facing relocation 

On 20 September 2024, Housing Victoria revealed that this site on Horace Petty estate will be part of a plan to “retire and develop” 44 public housing towers, following similar activities already occurring in North Melbourne and Flemington. 

Southside Justice works closely with residents and community groups in South Yarra’s public housing high rises to help address a range of tenancy related legal issues, including problems with black mould, neglected repairs, and rental compensation claims. The redevelopment announcement presents additional legal and human rights concerns for residents.  

“Residents are raising significant concerns about the relocation process. We are committed to advocating for residents’ rights and actively working with the community to ensure we are prepared and responsive as this process unfolds,” said Lloyd Murphy, Housing Justice lead at Southside Justice. 

Key concerns raised

• Residents are concerned about the absence of a written “right to return” in the relocation paperwork. Although Homes Victoria has verbally assured residents of their right to return as public housing tenants, many residents seek formal documentation to ensure their housing security.

• Residents fear being pressured to sign re-location documents without sufficient time to consider their options or the opportunity to consult interpreters. Reports from residents in North Melbourne and Flemington have highlighted similar issues in previous relocations.

• There is uncertainty about where displaced residents will be relocated, especially since available options, such as those on Bang Street South Yarra, are limited to one-bedroom properties. Concerns are growing about maintaining residents’ connections to their local communities and health services. 

• There is concern that the state of the current towers will deteriorate further while residents continue to pay full rent. Existing maintenance issues, such as mould and inadequate repairs, risk being unattended to due to the impending demolition. As apartments become vacant, there are also concerns about safety and squatting. 

• The nature of the redevelopment itself is a significant concern. Many residents are apprehensive about the potential privatisation of social housing. The development at Bang Street has demonstrated various issues related to the community housing model, including inadequate space for families, high utility costs, restricted security access, and embedded energy costs limiting residents’ choices. 

Next steps

Southside Justice is continuing to work with community leaders, residents, and other stakeholders to prepare for what might lie ahead and advocate on behalf of residents. We are consulting with colleagues at Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL), who are leading a class action against the Victorian Government, arguing that the decision to demolish 44 public housing towers was made without proper consultation with residents or consideration of their human rights. The class action is set to go to trial later this month. 

Ultimately, we are calling for transparency and respect for residents during this process. This includes the publication of policy documents by Homes Victoria related to the relocation process. Residents deserve a clear and dignified process that prioritises their right to safe, secure and affordable housing.