Vic: Bracks denies state to make money on cottages redevelopment

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Vic: Bracks denies state to make money on cottages redevelopment

MELBOURNE, Aug 5 AAP - Victorian Premier Steve Bracks today said the state governmentwould not make any money on the redevelopment of Melbourne's historic Kew Cottages carefacility.

The Boroondara Council approved plans for the site early today, which will allow formulti-storey developments and the relocation of some of Kew Cottages' intellectually disabledresidents.

The opposition described the move as a "Bracks grab for cash".

But Mr Bracks said the government would not profit from the development, which he saidwas the best option for Kew Cottages residents.

"All the money which is gained from the Kew Cottages site will go back into the residentialdevelopment of the Kew Cottages residences," he told reporters.

In 1996, nine men died in a blaze at Victoria's largest residential centre for theintellectually disabled.

In 2001, the Bracks government announced a $100 million redevelopment of the Kew Cottages.

Premier Steve Bracks said then the overcrowded and cramped dormitories on the 27-hectaresite would be demolished, the land would be sold and the money used to build about 20new homes for 50 to 100 residents on the Kew Cottages site.

AAP bp/gfr/cd/jlw

KEYWORD: COTTAGES