8/11/06
Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts has celebrated the completion of a $1.225million project to upgrade 35 seniors' units in Hamilton Hill.
Part of the Phoenix Rise New Living project, the refurbishment is a key point in a six-year project in Hamilton Hill which aims to improve public housing and provide home ownership opportunities for first homebuyers.
Mrs Roberts said the rolling refurbishment was part of the State Government's commitment to provide quality, affordable housing through its New Living program.
"New Living aims to redevelop older public housing estates to create more attractive living environments and to reduce the department's rental presence while encouraging home ownership," she said.
"The project has dual benefits as it reduces the public housing presence in the neighbourhoods and it is a significant component of our commitment to affordable housing and quality public housing integration.
"It is important to us to provide the best possible accommodation for everyone in the community, including seniors and people with special needs.
"Jindalee has been a massive undertaking during the last 18 months and I expect all the residents of Jindalee will be pleased with their new homes and surroundings."
Units at Jindalee have had new kitchens installed, new internal paint and new floor coverings during the comprehensive refurbishment.
Set in the southern Perth suburb of Hamilton Hill, the Jindalee seniors' complex was built in the 1970s when the area, originally known as Southwell, was developed by the (then) State Housing Commission.
The Minister said the Phoenix Rise New Living project aimed to reduce the public housing presence in Hamilton Hill, while improving the existing stock where possible.
"When the project started in 2004, 315 properties in Hamilton Hill - 35.4 per cent of all dwellings - were allocated to public housing," she said.
"Under the Phoenix Rise New Living project, 217 of these properties will be refurbished and sold, while 98 properties will be refurbished and retained by the Department of Housing and Works, reducing the public housing ratio to 12 per cent of dwellings."
The New Living program is the largest urban renewal initiative to take place in Western Australia.
"The aim of the project is to shape a community which is sustainable, pleasant to live in, functional, safe and better resourced," Mrs Roberts said.
Streetscapes, parks and recreational facilities are also enhanced under the program, which is carried out in conjunction with local government authorities.
The Minister said the project had also created employment opportunities and positive outcomes for indigenous people.
"Four indigenous people have worked at the seniors complex through the CDEP program with View Consulting and Burdiya Aboriginal Group," she said.
"A member of the group set up a business called Indigenous Workabout Pty Ltd and the group have learnt how to operate a business.
"Now, two years on, employees of the group are working full-time, stripping out and painting, as well as running a business."
Residents at Jindalee were actively involved in the planning process through community gatherings held to seek their input and thoughts on the refurbishment.
"This New Living program is a community project in the true sense of the word," Mrs Roberts said.
"We rely on community co-operation which is forthcoming in areas such as Hamilton Hill and can see fantastic results, especially with the help of the Cockburn City Council."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
