Melbourne squatters temporarily avoid eviction

Squatters living in houses bought by the Victorian government to build the now dumped East West Link in Melbourne have temporarily avoided eviction.

A last-minute injunction granted by the Supreme Court last night has prevented Victoria Police and the state government from forcibly removing dozens of homeless squatters from 13 properties in Collingwood, Parkville and Clifton Hill.

The squatters were handed eviction notices on Thursday and were due to be removed today, according to a group representing the residents, which is called 'Houses need people, People need houses'.

The injunction is in effect until 10.30am today, with court proceedings planned in the coming days, the group said.

"The injunction has delayed what was expected to be a significant police operation on Monday, and many residents including pregnant women and women fleeing domestic violence will rest easier knowing the police will not arrive overnight to make them homeless again," the group said in a statement yesterday.

The government said the properties have been leased by the Salvation Army for people in need including women and children fleeing family violence.

Victorian Housing Minister Martin Foley wants the squatters out.

"What they (the squatters) are seeking to do is make a political point - they are stopping desperately needed housing being used by homeless families," he told 3AW radio last week.