- Published:
- Friday 10 April 2015
There were smiles all around as 20 people who would otherwise be homeless joined Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley, to cut the ribbon and officially open their new home, Balladonia, in South Melbourne.
The 100-year-old rooming house has been transformed into a new home of 20 modern apartments.
The $4.3 million project, made possible by the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness, converted an unsafe rooming house with shared facilities into an updated community housing property with full security and self-contained accommodation.
Maintaining the heritage elements of the property, South Port Community Housing has also achieved a 7-star energy rating through environmentally sustainable design features including insulation, double-glazed windows, solar-boosted hot water, rainwater tanks for toilets, water-saving taps and smart lighting in bathrooms and common areas.
The fully furnished flats are complemented by communal laundries and a courtyard with washing lines and a barbecue, under the shade of a large cumquat tree.
Established in 1983, South Port Community Housing is a not-for-profit registered housing agency that helps people on low incomes find affordable accommodation in Melbourne’s inner south.
While the Andrews Labor Government has committed funding to extend the National Partnership Agreement for a further three years, the Abbott Government offer represents a cut of $1 million a year to Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Martin Foley
“We’re supporting access to safe, affordable housing, which breaks the cycle of disadvantage and provides a good foundation for people to build a happier and more prosperous life.”
“Balladonia is a heritage-listed treasure, and it’s now so much more for its residents. They deserve to live a life with dignity and independence but were at risk of homelessness.”
“The Abbott Government must reverse its cuts and provide funding in full for the next three years.”