Following the Extraordinary Council meeting on 22 September 2026, Council has launched a new community advocacy campaign: Save public housing. People before profit.
Since the Victorian Government released its Housing Statement on 20 September 2023, committing to retiring all 44 older high-rise public housing towers across Melbourne, Council has opposed demolition. It has consistently advocated to the Victorian Government and at the Parliamentary Inquiry held in 2025.
On 11 September 2026 Homes Victoria provided a briefing to Council officers setting out its draft plans to redevelop the Highett Street tower and walk-ups on the North Richmond public housing estate.
The draft plans included an indicative increase from approximately 1,000 to 3,000 dwellings on the estate. And an intention to replace 295 public-housing dwellings with an estimated 987 dwellings, comprising 337 social homes and 650 market build-to-rent (BTR) homes.
Of great concern, 220 public-housing dwellings in the Highett Street tower would be replaced by approximately 800 homes, including a minimum of 150 social homes and 650 market rentals.
Council has written to the Premier and the Minister for Housing, calling on the Victorian Government to:
Pause procurement and irreversible commitments on the North Richmond Public Housing Estate until sufficient tower-specific evidence is published, a precinct master plan prepared, and relevant Ombudsman findings addressed.
Undertake no further demolition or relocations in relation to demolitions until after the 28 November 2026 election and establishment of the post-election government.
Continue essential maintenance, safety works and tenant support at all public housing estates.
The campaign will see banners installed at our three town halls and posters and corflutes available to the public for pick up at Collingwood Town Hall, Richmond Town Hall, and our Council's libraries. Posters are already available for download from our dedicated webpage – see below.
Council will continue to advocate directly to the current Government, the Opposition, key elected representatives, candidates, and government officials.
You can contact your local state member and all local candidates in the upcoming election to let them know that this issue matters to you.
