Too loud to ignore
A TOWNSVILLE landlord is at breaking point over loud and disruptive neighbours causing tenants to leave her property.
Susan Gillespie said the endless parties, drunken fights and loud music emanating from the public housing property next to her Railway Estate property had scared off a number of other homeowners in the street.
Ms Gillespie, who used to reside at the property, said her fourth tenants in four years were moving out because of the noise and a number of other neighbours were following suit.
“We lived here and we couldn’t cope,” she said.
“I’ve put tenants in here and they can’t cope with it, everyone is hardworking people and they can’t even get any sleep. I couldn’t stand it and I don’t expect my tenants to put up with it either.
“People like us are trying to invest in this city, and if we can’t have anyone living here, including ourselves, then what do we do?”
Ms Gillespie said the situation was economically and socially complex, but required a resolution.
“I’m all for public housing, just live peacefully and have respect for your neighbours,” she said.
“People that get the privilege of access to public housing have got to respect that.
“If they don’t want to assimilate and be a part of a community like this and live how everyone else lives then they shouldn’t be there.”
Ms Gillespie said she contacted the Department of Housing and Public Works, a number of politicians and the police after the issues with the neighbours continued.
A Department of Housing and Public Works spokesman said the department had received two complaints, dated March 20 and 21, regarding a specific neighbouring public housing property in Railway Estate.
“As the complainant re- quested, HSC staff have agreed to a meeting to discuss the matter on 28 March,” the spokesman said.
“Everyone involved will be given an opportunity to have their say as the department facilitates a fair and reasonable resolution to this matter.
“The department takes all complaints about disruptive behaviour seriously, thoroughly investigating each complaint.
“When we confirm that an incident of disruptive behaviour has occurred, the appropriate action is taken.”