The Liberals and Greens have disgracefully joined forces to overturn a planning decision that would have delivered jobs, new public housing units and affordable homes close to public transport – as part of a dangerous political stunt.
Matthew Guy – with the support of the Greens – has revoked planning approval for the Markham Estate revitalisation, a project that would have made homes more affordable for young Victorians and those that need housing the most.
The Labor Government worked with the Ashburton community to revitalise the Markham Estate by providing new public housing units and additional, affordable private units – close to public transport and the local TAFE.
The redevelopment would deliver 62 new public housing units, including more than previously existed on the site.
The development would also create new affordable private housing that will provide greater housing diversity in Ashburton to give first-home buyers, workers and downsizers the opportunity to make their home in Ashburton.
While the Liberals have long tried to use revocation motions to stop critical housing, transport and other infrastructure projects, the decision by the Greens political party to back the motion makes a mockery of the principles they claim to represent.
It makes housing more expensive and makes it less likely Victorians who need it will get a roof over their head, close to transport.
The Greens political party sat silent while the previous government ripped $330 million out of the housing budget, and now they're trying to stop this Government with getting on with our $2.7 billion housing and homelessness investment pipeline.
The Liberals and the Greens need to stop playing petty politics with planning and stop putting jobs, affordable housing and accommodation at risk for those who need it most.
After all, it was Mr Guy who warned against revocation motions back in 2010, when he told Parliament “we have clearly stated we do not want to turn the upper house of Victoria into a responsible authority on every planning matter around the state”.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“This pathetic, political posturing by Matthew Guy and the Greens is a dangerous political stunt.”
“This desperate decision has put housing and jobs at risk, and will leave vulnerable Victorians in desperate need of public housing with nowhere to go – including women fleeing family violence on our priority waitlist.”
“It will make housing more expensive and make it less likely Victorians who need it will get a roof over their head.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020