Merri-bek has been advocating for the 48% of Merri-bek residents people living in apartments and townhouses.
In the face of rising utility prices, the negative health impacts of fossil gas, and growing climate change vulnerability, the need for all-electric, thermally comfortable, and efficient homes is more pressing than ever.
As work continues to build and upgrade standalone homes, people living in apartments, units, villas and townhouses are being left behind, even as the number of people living in these dwellings grows.
Merri-bek highlighted the actions needed in a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments.
We recommend a comprehensive package of measures including immediate action to overcome barriers to energy upgrades in strata with available and proven technologies, as well as innovation research to support future transformation in the sector as Victoria transitions to a net zero economy.
This follows on from our submission to the Victorian Governments Owners Corporation Review in September 2025.
In particular, we call on the Victorian Government to:
- Implement changes to the Owners Corporation Act to create the enabling environment for affordable energy for apartments.
- Provide funding and support to Owners Corporations to undertake energy audits and electrification plans.
- Develop an Apartments Electrification Strategy as part of the Gas Substitution Roadmap.
To ensure our residents live in apartments that are comfortable, affordable to run, and able to respond to a changing climate.
Our submissions aligns with our Climate Emergency Action Plan 2025-2030 key priorities to:
- Evolve and expand responsive and evidence-based programs and initiatives to ensure disadvantaged and/or at-risk residents are not left behind.
- Continue collaboration to support residents / owners of existing apartments to transition to be energy efficient, electric, powered by renewables and resilient.
- Planning and compliance to achieve zero carbon, climate resilience and circularity in new homes, commercial and industrial developments
