| The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP Minister for Finance and Deregulation |
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP |
22/2009
9 April 2009
The Federal Government will sell the former defence site in Maribyrnong to the Victorian Government in a decision that will support jobs and provide more housing in the region.
The Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the sale of the site was a result of the Rudd Government’s new Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy (CPDP).
“This policy facilitates the release of surplus Commonwealth land to increase housing supply, improve community amenity and create jobs.
“The sale of this parcel of land to the Victorian Government will do exactly that; supporting up to 4,500 construction jobs during the site’s development and providing more than 3,000 new homes in the area. Importantly, a minimum 20 per cent of these dwellings will be affordable housing.”
Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek said the Maribyrnong development highlights the success of the CPDP.
“Affordable housing is at the forefront of the Rudd Government’s agenda. Working with the Victorian State Government under the CPDP, we will see more affordable houses being built.
“The site will be developed by the Victorian Government’s sustainable development agency, VicUrban, which has a strong record in urban renewal projects.”
Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten said the decision would provide the local community with access to a parcel of land that had been closed to the public for more than 100 years.
“Ongoing consultation with the local community is taking place to ensure the development will be balanced, sustainable and will meet the needs of the people in the area.
“Along with new residential and commercial development that will occur in the area, the site will be cleaned up and include significant areas of public open space and a variety of community facilities.”
In preparation for the handover, environmental remediation and heritage works will be undertaken at the site. The works will ensure the site meets Victorian environmental standards prior to VicUrban taking control of the land.
Lindsay Tanner said: “This project is an outstanding example of a how Commonwealth and State Governments could work together to address community issues.
“By facilitating this sale, we are addressing critical urban issues around housing supply, employment and the environment including the provision of open space.”| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Minister Tanner's Office - Tim Naughtin - 0438 265 065 Minister Plibersek’s Office - Darrin Barnett - 0428 119 703 |
www.financeminister.gov.au |
