Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Ministers statements: housing

Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (13:58): While the others block we are building, and I rise to update the house on a significant milestone in delivering more diverse and affordable homes for Victorians right in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most vibrant and in-demand suburbs. That is right; I am talking about the Fitzroy Gasworks precinct, with four developers now shortlisted to deliver the final residential section of land. Local: Residential, GFM Group, PDG and Hickory Developments have all been invited to submit proposals under the request for proposal stage following the successful completion of the competitive expression of interest process.

On this section of land, and despite the opposition of so many people across this Parliament, we will deliver around 350 new homes – on this parcel alone. That is not talk, that is action. The final stage of this precinct is about building on the momentum, adding homes that reflect the diversity, energy and sustainability that define Fitzroy. Design work is progressing on the other parcels of land, with plans expected to be lodged later this year and construction expected to commence following planning approvals next year. Once complete, the gasworks precinct will provide 1200 new homes, including 20 per cent affordable housing, and it will feature the Wurun Senior Campus, the Bundha Sports Centre and a whole range of vibrant public spaces.

Some members want to get in the way of progress and seek to score points rather than deliver new homes. I would ask the Greens over there to pass on to their friend the member for Richmond in the other place that this is about working in partnership with industry and with community housing providers to deliver much-needed housing, including affordable housing. Solving the housing crisis needs government to be actually able to work with industry, and that is what we are doing to get the fastest way home for Victorians across the board. Progress does not happen by chanting slogans and gaslighting constituents with unfounded allegations. It is one thing to say no to affordable housing, no to sustainability, no to progress. It is another thing entirely to recognise that there is more work to be done. We can collaborate to make that happen. Home by home, street by street, community by community, this is what we are building.