Run-down housing estate gets overdue $4 million refit

Once condemned as “not fit for animals”, a government housing estate is getting a mulitmillion dollar upgrade to become to an over-50s village.

• Sue Hickey lashes government over housing inaction
• Sue Hockey wants overhaul of government housing body

A Glenorchy housing estate dubbed as “not fit for animals” by a government MP is getting a long-overdue $4 million facelift.

Liberal MP for Clark Sue Hickey condemned long-term government inaction at 50-unit Oakleigh Court public housing complex in April last year after conducting a clean-up at the site.

On Monday, she warmly welcomed the progress of a complete redevelopment of units at the site.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said $4.2 million was being spent in a staged upgrade at the site progressively between now and the end of December 2021.

“These works will improve the units to meet modern standards and better suit the needs of older Tasmanians,” he said.

“The refurbishment includes new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, floor coverings, lighting and window furnishings for all units.

Minister for housing Roger Jaensch and Speaker Sue Hickey inside a public housing unit in Glenorchy that is getting renovated. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Importantly, it will also provide a boost to our local building and construction industry in its recovery from COVID-19, with Tasmanian-owned Macquarie Builders and Shane Mann & Associates Architecture selected to complete the works.”

The estate will become home for Tasmanians aged over 50 and residents who are not staying will be moved into alternate social house, Mr Jaesnch said.

Ms Hickey said she was thrilled that at the upgrade.

“This is the happiest day since I got elected,” she said.

“I am so thrilled because I’ve been working very closely – with my office and people in these units. Some of them have been very sad and not particularly safe, and I know a lot of the tenants and I know they are thrilled that this is being upgraded by the government.

“This neighbourhood has suffered with some of the tenants that probably weren’t on their best behaviour at all times but now it’s going to be a really safe, well looked after, well maintained and supervised complex.”

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