It’s time for us to take the next big step toward providing more modern, energy efficient, and accessible homes that are fit for purpose and enrich our thriving communities.
See below for some Frequently Asked Questions relating to the High-rise redevelopment. To read these questions in your language, visit our translated resources page.
To talk to our team on the phone, or to access an interpreter, please call 1800 716 866.
On this page
What is the High-rise development project?
It’s time for us to take the next big step to retire and replace 44 older high-rise housing towers built in the 1960s and 1970s across 21 locations in Melbourne.
What support is available for renters?
We will support our renters and communities every step of the way.
Our dedicated housing team will ensure all renters are provided with information and support (including in-language information) over the coming months and years.
If you have questions, you can:
- Email enquiries@homes.vic.gov.au
- Attend a community information pop-up. Times and dates will be on our website and in building foyers.
Access translations of these questions in your language on our High-rise translated resources page.
What does this mean for you?
Nothing is changing overnight and most renters will not need to move from their homes straight away. Retiring our older public housing towers will take time. We will make sure our renters continue to have a place to call home at every stage.
Our dedicated housing team will door-knock renters and provide community information pop-ups at tower locations over the coming days and weeks. This team will work closely with individual households every step of the way.
Will you listen to the needs and views of renters?
Yes. Our renters and communities are our key priority throughout this project.
Our first step is to ensure all renters have good information and understand the support available to them.
Our housing team will gather resident and community feedback over the coming days, weeks, and months to help shape plans for each location. We will keep everyone informed with regular updates and opportunities to input, at every stage of the project.
Why do the old high-rise towers need to be retired?
There are many reasons why we need to retire the old towers. The towers are coming to the end of their operational life, and no longer meet current building and living standards. In recent years, building faults and breakdowns (electrical, plumbing, lifts) have become more common and cause frequent disruption to renters.
The design of the buildings also means that it is not feasible to upgrade them to modern design liveability and accessibility standards.
When will this project start and finish?
While the project is starting now, it will take a long time to retire and replace all the towers. We will provide regular updates to renters when their tower is scheduled for retirement and replacement.
When will renters have to move?
Most renters will not need to move from their homes straight away, though we also acknowledge some may already wish to move from their home and have a transfer application in.
The project will be managed in place stages and in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way for all renters – including Aboriginal Victorians, older renters, people with a disability, and renters from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
At some locations, we will start conversations in the coming weeks with some renters to understand their needs.
Our dedicated housing team will work closely with households to confirm their needs.
What if a renter wants to move now?
Some renters may already have transfer applications in place. Where existing public housing stock is available that suits renter needs, we will support renters to relocate in line with Victorian Housing Register arrangements.
What types of needs are considered in finding a new place?
Our dedicated and experienced housing team will talk to individual renters to understand their needs. This can include how many bedrooms they may need if they have children in local schools, if they need to be near a job, if they rely on public transport, if they have a pet to consider, or if they need to access health or support services. All these factors inform the alternative housing offered to renters.
Will renter relocations impact the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) waiting list?
Renter relocations will be managed in careful steps and stages, to limit the impact on the Victorian Housing Register.
Homes Victoria is on track to deliver 12,000 new homes by 2026, and we expect to draw on some of these new homes, as well as others across our portfolio, to relocate renters and keep housing applicants from the Victorian Housing Register.
How will relocations affect rental arrangements?
Renters who relocate to other public housing will maintain their current rights and security of tenure
How will the relocation process be managed?
We are committed to working with renters to deliver the best housing outcomes for them.
Our dedicated housing team will:
- provide sufficient notice and information (including in-language information) when it comes time to start thinking about housing options.
- meet with renters to listen and understand their individual and household needs and circumstances
- provide renters with information, support and relocation options
- ensure solutions take account of renter diversity and culture and consider key policies such as the Charter of Human Rights.