The Victorian government's plan to demolish and rebuild seven public housing towers, including the Victoria Avenue building in Albert Park, is facing resistance from long-term residents. The building at 150 Victoria Avenue, part of the Older Persons High Rise Program, provides affordable housing for vulnerable Victorians aged over 55.

Many tenants, such as 82-year-old Edwina Dawn Horwath, who has lived in the tower for decades, find the prospect of moving distressing. Horwath said, "For me personally, I wouldn't be able to move." Another resident, Ms Tran, noted, "When they moved here they were told that this would be their forever home."

The Victorian Ombudsman announced in June, following a parliamentary referral, that it would investigate the experiences of public housing residents required to relocate due to the demolition of these towers. Concerns have been raised about the lack of clear explanations for the demolition, with residents questioning, "What's wrong with this exact building? Why can't the issues be repaired?"

Local officials have acknowledged the tension, with Mr Staikos stating, "There's a campaign of bad faith that has been run around this issue." Despite the upheaval, many residents cherish their community, with some having lived there for decades, including a 100-year-old resident who has called the tower home for nearly 30 years.

The demolition is part of the third tranche of a broader Victorian government program aiming to rebuild all 44 of Melbourne's public housing towers by 2051.

Sources