Thursday, 20 February 2025

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:58): (1008) My question is to the Minister for Housing and Building. Over a year ago 50 residents were booted out of their homes at 50 Grosvenor Street, Balaclava, to make way for a new housing development, but instead of progress, the site was abandoned and left to decay into a dangerous, antisocial drug den, putting nearby residents at risk. It took a viral TikTok video showcasing graffiti, drugs and stolen bikes to finally embarrass the government into action. Now demolition has begun, but only after 12 months of inaction and neglect. Fifty residents who were well integrated into the community were forcibly displaced to make way for this promised development, yet they have seen no transparency, action or timelines. I ask the minister: when will you finally provide a clear timeline for the completion of this project so the residents can get on with living their lives?