Yarra Council Calls for Enhanced Support for Public Housing Residents during COVID-19 Lockdown

Strategic Insights -

Yarra Council in Melbourne is urging the State Government to provide additional support for public housing residents, particularly in high-rise towers, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As Melbourne enters stage 3 stay-at-home restrictions, the council is advocating for measures to prevent another sudden lockdown situation for public housing towers. Yarra Mayor Cr Misha Coleman emphasized the need for immediate action and support to ensure public housing communities receive the best information and care possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Yarra Council is calling on the State Government to provide enhanced support for public housing residents, particularly in high-rise towers, during the COVID-19 lockdown.
  • The council is advocating for measures such as immediate testing of all public housing tenants, case-by-case management of positive residents, and provision of free Wi-Fi, sanitizer, and culturally appropriate food and medication.
  • The council also requests that onsite security providers be instructed to comply with proper social distancing measures and that an emergency rent freeze be implemented in the event of a total lockdown.
  • Yarra Council will continue to work with DHHS and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the health and safety of the community.
  • The council has passed a motion to advocate for its proposed measures and will draw the matter to the attention of the Premier and relevant Ministers.
  • Councillors Searle, Bosler, Stone, Jolly, O'Brien, Chen Yi Mei, Fristacky, and Coleman voted in favor of the motion, while Councillor Nguyen voted against.

Statistics:

  • 9 public housing towers in Flemington and North Melbourne have been locked down.
  • Yarra Council is advocating for support for 12 high-rise towers in North Richmond, Fitzroy, and Collingwood.
  • 5 towers are located in North Richmond, 4 in Fitzroy, and 3 in Collingwood, with a total of approximately 3,000 public housing residents.
  • The proposed measures aim to benefit approximately 3,000 public housing residents.
  • The council will continue to work with DHHS and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the health and safety of the community.
  • The motion was passed in a Council Meeting held on Tuesday, 7 July 2020.

Sources:

  • State of Victoria Local Government 2 Thursday, 09 July 2020
  • Council Minutes, Yarra Council (document number: 13.1 - 2020)