Councillor anger as ‘six-into-one Newtown housing project’ opens

Erin Pearson
A PUBLIC housing development on expensive land in Newtown has squashed six dwellings onto a 500-square-metre block, according to ward councillor Stretch Kontelj.
He labelled the Marshall Street development “overcrowded and over-built” after its official opening this week.
Cr Kontelj, who was not invited to the opening, said the housing block should have been built “elsewhere” on cheaper land where more space was available.
The development is one of five Federal Government “social housing” projects set for Newtown.
Cr Kontelj said four allotments earmarked for the projects were government-owned but the Marshall Street site was bought privately.
Similar-size properties in the area have recently sold for more than $600,000.
“What they could have done was sold the Newtown land and made an absolute fortune then bought land in a more-affordable area and tripled the number of homes they built,” he said.
“Instead they were rushing to get these projects up and now expect six families to live on what is smaller than an average suburban block.
“I have never seen a project of that scale (Marshall Street) built on such a small property in my 13 years on council.
“It’s not something you want to encourage as social housing.”
Cr Kontelj said the Marshall Street development site coverage was illegal but council found out too late to launch a challenge.
“As far as council is concerned, we were conned.”
Cr Kontelj said the Marshall Street development would adversely affect neighbours’ property values.
Member for Corio Richard Marles opened the Marshall Street development, and said it would help women in need of affordable housing.
Tenants would arrive in the new year.
Mr Marles said the project was part of Federal Government’s “$49 million social housing investment” in his electorate to build 156 dwellings and refurbish 770.