By Daniela De Martino
I hope this finds you well for my final message before the Christmas and New Year break.
This one concerns an issue close to my heart – housing.
One of the key factors impacting our quality of life is our access to affordable, secure and dignified housing – I wanted to share with you some of the important policies which the Allan Labor Government has recently announced to make housing fairer, more affordable and more accessible.
The new Housing Policy provides;
More homes near train stations by delivering 50 new activity centres
Off-the-plan tax concessions to build more homes to buy or rent
More local infrastructure funding where more homes are built
A ten-year pipeline of land for family homes and backyards
A tough new building watchdog for buyer peace of mind
More townhouses in the suburbs thanks to easier subdivisions
More social homes in the regions and a boost for regional councils
Renters often face unfair costs or unstable leases, so we’re introducing major protections that give renters the stability they need.
We’re introducing a new body in Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV), which will allow simple disputes with landlords to be resolved through a free, public dispute resolution service.
Through RDRV, renters can easily access highly skilled dispute resolution experts who will help bring parties together to resolve rental disputes.
RDRV will commence its work in mid-2025, and legislation will be introduced in November to make their orders binding and enforceable.
Other changes include bond transparency and portability, no more ‘no-fault’ evictions, no extra fees for rental payments, fairer lease break fees and access to extra keys at no extra charge.
These changes mean Victorians can rent with stability, dignity, and a better sense of control over their living situations.
I am proud of these policies which we have introduced.
The right to a secure home is one to which we are all entitled, and I firmly believe that the policies which the Premier has announced will protect this right for generations to come.
I know many have been concerned about the landslip on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras, as have I.
Landslip site repairs will begin early 2025 and be completed mid-year, weather permitting.
Significant structural and drainage upgrade works will be required to repair and fully reopen the road.
The repair will mean the road is down to one lane during the fire season.
I encourage everyone who travels through this area to factor the road conditions into their fire plan.
I understand many people are concerned by the timeframe for these repairs, as I have been, but the complexity of the site with the services running through it and the location of the landslip means that this is not an easy fix and needs to be proceeded with carefully.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Christmas, New Year and holiday season.
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful time and get a chance to recharge for the year ahead!
