Taxpayers pick up the bill for squatter security in dumped East West Link homes

TAXPAYERS are footing the bill for security to guard against squatters in vacant homes acquired for the dumped East West Link.

Properties on Manningham St in Parkville, purchased for the East West Link, are being taken over by squatters. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

TAXPAYERS are footing the bill for security to guard vacant homes acquired for the dumped East West Link against squatters.

People are living rent-free in 13 state government-owned homes across Collingwood, Clifton Hill and Parkville.

The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources confirmed that guards manned other vacant properties — some around the clock — but refused to say how much the security detail cost.

More than 90 per cent of the homes owned by the department have tenants.

But department spokesman Matt Cugley said the remaining properties could not be leased until the squatters were removed.

“Attempts to occupy other vacant residences has continued and the security measures in place have helped protect these residences from entry or damage,” Mr Cugley said.

“The 13 properties being occupied cannot be leased until they can be accessed, repaired and made secure.

“The squatters are hampering and interfering with the letting of vacant properties and the department’s tenants nearby.

“Security guards will unfortunately be required until the department can access the properties for leasing.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan wants victims of domestic violence to live in some of the vacant homes. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Police had a tense stand-off with homeless people living in a Manningham St home on Wednesday. A video provided to Nine News shows people had barricaded themselves inside the home as an officer warned he would “send the gas and the dog in”.

“On this occasion, the operation was suspended due to safety considerations for all involved,” spokeswoman Creina O’Grady said.

Another home in the street, where it is understood a number of people live, is emblazoned with a “vacant no more” sign.

Local resident Mandy, who asked for her surname not to be published, pays commercial rent to live in one of the government-owned Parkville units.

“If there are homes left vacant, owned by the state government and people are legitimately homeless, and have been on a waiting list, that is fine,” she said.

“If it is a group of hippies with a chip on their shoulder who think they should have access, it is not fair.”

Manningham St, Parkville, resident James Milne is now living next door to squatters. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

James Milne, who owns his home and lives next door to squatters, said they had been “good neighbours”.

“I would much rather (the homes) were put to good use and ... it would be a shame for them to be vacant,” he said.

“We have refugees, domestic violence victims and the homeless — all of which I’m sure have strong needs for housing.

“But I can understand from a practical point of view why they might need to be left vacant.”

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said on Wednesday that he wanted victims of domestic violence to live in some of the vacant homes, while others would be sold.

“I want those properties clear,” he said.

“Let me be very clear, I want the people who are suffering from domestic violence, those mothers, children and the like, to be able to be accommodated.

“We make no apologies about removing those people.”

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