Government's New Living Program proves a winner

28/2/00
Housing Minister Kim Hames said today that, yet again, the State Government's New Living was proving a winner on all fronts.
"Where the program is undertaken, safer and happier communities are created and property values rise an average of about 10 per cent," Dr Hames said.
New Living is a $300 million State Government program run by the Ministry of Housing across WA, which aims to revitalise suburbs where public housing dominated. It is run through the Ministry's Landstart division.
"This is the biggest urban renewal ever undertaken in Western Australia," Dr Hames said.
"It will result in no suburb having a ratio of more than one in nine public housing rentals.
"In most cases the ratio will be one in 12, as those tenants who want to buy their refurbished homes will be given help to do so.
"At the same time the Government recognises there will always be a demand for public housing, and we intend to ensure these people have modern quality housing.
"New North is a good example of what the Government is trying to achieve with this exercise, which takes suburbs blighted by older-style public housing and in co-operation with private developers, local councils and the local community, turn the suburbs into areas where people want to live.
"The Government has taken on board suggestions from the community, such as the demolition of all the three-storey blocks of flats in the area, which had previously become a haven for anti-social behaviour.
"The increased demand and average 10 per cent increase paid for properties in Koondoola, Girrawheen, Balga and Westminster in just 12 months, is the silver lining on the enhancement of the suburbs through a redesign.
"These communities have more than just refurbished houses, New Living includes a total new look with user-friendly streetscapes, newly landscaped parks and community-based activities."
Media contacts: Caroline Lacy 9424 7450 / MOH: Janet Wainwright 9222 4500