Canberra. Between 1948 and 1952 four blocks of flats were built at Griffith, Braddon and Ainslie, containing a total of 184 one- and two-bedroom flats. Even with these increased construction measures, waiting lists for public housing continued to increase. By 1955 the list contained more than 3000 families and individuals. The NCDC In March 1958 the National Capital Development Commission took responsibility for the planning and construction of Canberra. It inherited a public housing system with a waiting list of 3,000 people and imminent plans to move 3,000 more public servants from Melbourne and Sydney. Self Government In 1989 control of public housing in Canberra switched to the newly formed ACT government. By then the stock of government houses in Canberra was ageing. The standard of accommodation was lower than in other states and many houses were of non-conventional, high maintenance construction. Government housing today Government housing in the ACT is now controlled by Housing and Community Services ACT a division of the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services. The public housing system in Canberra now contains over 11,000 properties. Criteria for allocation of housing was made more stringent in the 2006-07 Australian Capital Territory budget. Single people earning more than 60% of the average wage and couples earning more than 75% of the average wage will not be eligible. Modernisation Government housing has been progressively sold off over the years into private ownership. Extensions, decks, bagging (cement render) and painting have re-made the Canberra Govie into a different yet still distinctive style of house. These privately owned properties are colloquially referred to as Ex-Govies. In the 2006 budget, the Government announced it would sell a further 500 dwellings and use the proceeds to reinvest in other public housing. Forestry settlements During the early years of the ACT the government built small forestry settlements at Uriarra, Pierces Creek and Stromlo. These settlements were devastated in the 2003 Canberra bushfires and their fate remains under consideration. See also Housing Commission of Victoria Housing NSW Supported Accommodation Assistance Program Homelessness in Australia HomeGround Services Notes References External links A history of public housing in Canberra National Capital Development Commission Act 1957 NCA website, 1958 - 1989 National Capital Development Commission Our House Biographies - NCDC cottage, Blamey Crescent, Campbell Tocumwal Houses - website Canberra Australian Capital Territory