Geelong public housing residents beg for ‘basic safety’

Residents of Geelong public housing say they are “living in fear” reporting being tormented by fellow residents for years.

Residents of a Geelong West public housing complex on Lawton Ave say they are ‘living in fear’. Picture: Mark Wilson

Residents of a Geelong public housing complex who say they are “living in fear” are begging to have basic safety and security measures installed after being tormented by fellow residents for years.

Dean Cage, 49, and his neighbours told the Saturday Herald Sun they feel like “prisoners in their own homes” with other residents of the complex – and those who visit them – constantly causing chaos.

“Peace is something that we feel was taken from us a long time ago,” Mr Cage said.

The group of terrified residents, who are mostly elderly or living with a disability, reside in public housing units on Lawton Ave in Geelong West.

Geelong West public housing complex on Lawton Ave. Picture: Mark Wilson

They say a handful of their fellow residents, who are understood to suffer from alcohol and drug addictions, are often paid visits by unwelcome strangers which triggers violence and crime in the complex.

“Anyone can just walk in off the street,” Mr Cage said.

Theft, assault and property damage are commonplace at the block of units, according to the 49-year-old.

He said he has had a knife thrown at him, and his 92-year-old neighbour has had water flung onto her balcony multiple times by a crazed resident.

“He throws water over her balcony which not only makes it slippery but it actually, on one occasion, flooded her house,” Mr Cage said.

The group was initially seeking the permanent removal of the problematic tenants, but Mr Cage claims their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

Mr Cage said residents were now hoping to install a fence across the front of the property with a gate and intercom, as well as security cameras and lights – at their own expense – in order to finally feel safe.

“These things would act as a deterrent,” he said.

“If we did have these things, maybe a lot of incidents could have been prevented.”

However, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing said it was committed to working with all residents of the complex to ensure they felt safe and secure in their homes.

“We are aware of the residents’ proposal and responded in a letter to all residents in January committing to a review of security arrangements at the complex (and) are currently assessing the option of additional security measures, including fencing and additional lighting, and will advise residents of the outcome,” a spokeswoman said.

Dean Cage says residents feel like prisoners in their own homes. Picture: Mark Wilson

Requests for the installation of security cameras are understood to be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the privacy of other tenants.

While tenants can make some changes without their landlord’s consent, the installation of security systems and external gates require permission.

But Mr Cage said the group has been waiting months on end to be granted permission by the state government.

He said they feel abandoned by their property manager, who has failed to help them receive permission.

Dean, Shirley and Brian at the units. Picture: Mark Wilson

“He doesn’t do anything for us,” he said.

“We’re getting no support at all.”

Mr Cage has sent numerous emails to his local MP Christine Couzens, Housing Minister Richard Wynne and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing in 2021 but most go unanswered.

The one response he did receive in January redirected him back to his property manager, with Mr Cage saying he now simply feels “helpless”.

“We’re not asking for a swimming pool or a gym,” he said.

“We’re simply asking for safety and security.”