Our city is cluttered with old, dilapidated brick apartments that have stood unattended and neglected for far too long. These buildings are not only unsightly, but they do not meet the standards of a growing, evolving city. This petition is a plea to the Minister for Housing The Hon. Rose Jackson, and Shadow Minister for Housing The Hon. Scott Farlow to instigate the vital process of revitalizing these structures.

As per the Housing Industry Association, renovating and rebuilding old structures can lead to a 57% surge in productivity growth (HIA, 2020). This means job creation, improved living standards, and a reinforced economy - a vital aspect especially in the time of pandemic when unemployment rates are high.

An upgrade of these outdated brick apartments would also serve to improve our town's aesthetic appeal, and this is needed now more than ever. A survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that one in four people consider urban design a significant influence in their satisfaction with life (ABS, 2019). The crumbling brick apartments in the CBD detract from that potential satisfaction.

Furthermore, from an environmental perspective, these old buildings are quite likely energy-inefficient. A study by the University of Melbourne reveals that dwelling reconstructions can increase energy efficiency by up to 80% (University of Melbourne, 2021). Hence, knocking down and rebuilding these apartments could contribute to the city's sustainability targets.

Our appeal is clear: It is high time that these forgotten brick apartments on the outskirts of our city get the attention they need. We request the aid of Hon. Rose Jackson and Hon. Scott Farlow to usher in an era of change in our town by supporting the demolition and reconstruction of these old structures. Sign this petition today and help us build a brighter, better, and more sustainable future for our city.