Couple fear for housing future

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren couple fear they will be kicked out of their home if a proposed affordable housing development at the Casey Gardens Residential Village site goes ahead.
Ken and Lynne Irwin told the News they had no idea about the development until last week, despite Aurecon Australia saying the residents of the caravan park were notified of the plans back in August 2008.
The proposed development by Aurecon Australia will see more than 500 apartments and townhouses developed at 6 Fullard Road.
It will feature eight buildings with studio apartments and one, two and three bedroom apartments and a complex with community facilities such as a general store, cafe, coin laundrette and a manager’s office.
Mr Irwin and his wife are two of about 165 people residing in the caravan park.
“We were shocked when we heard the news,” Mr Irwin said.
“This development will look like high rise flats in Carlton. I don’t know where we’ll go as this is an affordable living option for us.”
The couple, who have been in the park for 22 years, say the caravan park is a great place to live.
“This is our home. Our grandchildren were born and raised here,” he said.
“There are many families and elderly people that live in the park.”
Casey Gardens Residential Village director Chris Sleigh met with several residents on Tuesday to discuss concerns in relation to the project.
“I’ll also be meeting with some more residents on Friday if anyone else needs questions answered,” he said.
Mr Sleigh said the proposal was still in its early stages.
“There are many hurdles which need to be cleared before the development comes to fruition,” he said.
Paul Little from Aurecon Australia said the proposed development was geared towards young workers and families, students and pensioners who found it difficult to enter the rental market, and was not social or public housing.
Mr Little said the two goals for the project were to increase the supply of affordable housing and improve affordability for eligible tenants.
“There’s a critical shortage of affordable housing within the City of Casey. Casey Gardens is targeted to address that need,” Mr Little said.
The application is due to come to Casey Council’s planning committee next week.