The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says ongoing delays to social housing maintenance are continuing to leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far longer than they should for a home.
Mr O’Brien said the Minister for Housing has now confirmed that a property in Foster he first raised concerns about in May remains vacant.
“I wrote to the Minister about the status of this home after being contacted by a local elderly couple who have been on the social housing list for over three years,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I was alarmed and saddened when I finally received a response from the Minister, just this month, to read that a decision is still pending on whether the property will be repaired at all
“It’s one thing for maintenance works to be delayed, but we now have a situation where even the decision about whether the work will occur or the home will be sold is taking months.
“This house has been empty for more than six months in a community where the waitlist keeps growing and affordable rentals are harder to find every week.”
Mr O’Brien said social housing stock in the South Gippsland local government area has already reduced in recent years and any talk of disposing of an existing property should be a clear sign that more investment is needed.
“When social housing numbers are going backwards and private rentals are becoming scarce, we should be doing everything possible to keep every available home in service.
“This Foster property is in a good location and could be helping a local couple right now.
“Instead, it’s tied up in delays with no certainty about what happens next.”
Mr O’Brien said he will continue to push for timely maintenance and clearer decision-making to ensure homes aren’t left vacant unnecessarily.
“It is clear that Labor can’t manage housing or housing maintenance and it is our most vulnerable Gippslanders who are paying the price.”