Petition started to urge Banyule city council to not sell single-mum’s property on Swanston St in Heidelberg

A single mother battling ill-health and a child with autism fears she is about to be made homeless after the local council put up a notice of “intention to sell” outside her home.

Single mother and child on NDIS face homelessness as Melbourne council sells their home for development

A single mother battling ill-health with a child with autism fears she is about to be made homeless after the local council put up a notice of “intention to sell” outside her home.

Heidelberg’s Gemma Wilson found “safety, security, and stability” when she signed the lease to her rental property two years ago, as it was owned by Banyule City Council, but she is now terrified of losing a roof over her head in the middle of a rental housing crisis.

The council intended to sell the land on Swanston St in Heidelberg last year, as stated in its September council agenda, because it was “constructed below flood levels”.

The council told Ms Wilson the house was “insurable” and they had “always intended to purchase the land, demolish the non-compliant units, and sell the land with a permit for compliant residential dwellings”.

Concerned about the detrimental impact the sale will have on her 6-year-old Autistic son, who needs multiple specialised therapists in the area, Ms Wilson opposed the proposal when it came to the council in September, convincing the councillors to “not to sell the property at this time” and help her find a suitable home.

However, in March this year, the council put a “notice of intention to sell land” sign in front of the house without proper prior communication, she claimed.

Single mother and child on NDIS face homelessness as Melbourne council sells their home for development

Ms Wilson said she felt “blindsided” by the sign because she thought the council would wait until she found a suitable home.

Ms Wilson’s health has also deteriorated since last year after she was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) triggered by Covid, making it challenging to search for homes suitable for her autistic son that would also allow his emotional companion dog.

“I have been chronically unwell, which not only has had an impact on my health but also my finances; I’m awaiting an unrelated surgery in May. Moving under these circumstances adds another layer of stress and complexity,” she said.

“My child’s stability and support network would be jeopardised if we were uprooted from our home and community and had to move further away. I rely on NDIS services in the area.

“The nationwide housing has seen the rental market become a nightmare...it’s so stressful and disheartening with prices skyrocketing and 30- to 40 people at open house inspections...people in similar situations like me are being forced into inadequate housing or are at a threat of homelessness.”

Single mother and child on NDIS face homelessness as Melbourne council sells their home for development

The Herald Sun understands the council purchased the land between 2015 and 2018 following a significant storm event in 2012 which caused major flooding to the two rear units. However, Ms Wilson’s unit has since been deemed safe.

A Banyule spokesman said the council had stopped the Notice of Intent to Sell process after “learning of the existing tenants’ personal circumstances.”

The spokesman said the council had discussions with Ms Wilson before commencing the sale process in March this year before setting up signs. However, Ms Wilson said she was unaware the council was going ahead with the sale.

“During the most recent Notice of Intent process, the council became aware of the tenant’s change of circumstances. Council is sympathetic to the circumstances of the tenant of Unit one.”

The spokesman said the council had allowed Ms Wilson a “secure tenancy until at least late 2024, allowing them more than 12 months to seek new accommodation”.

Single mother and child on NDIS face homelessness as Melbourne council sells their home for development

An online petition has been organised by Ms Wilson’s former neighbour Rhianna Wilson, who also lived on the property in a different townhouse but has since moved out, getting 203 203 signatures out of a target of 500

“This situation is personal to me as I was once a tenant in this block of houses myself. It took me nearly two years to find another place to live within our community – a struggle I wouldn’t wish upon anyone else.” Ms Wilson said.

“The council had previously promised not to sell this property until all the tenants found suitable housing — we must hold them accountable to their words. We stand together as a community against such actions that threaten one of our own’s security and wellbeing.”

You can sign the petition here.