This is our problem
RATHER than waiting for government to solve every crisis perhaps it’s time to show some initiative. This is not a government problem, it’s our problem. Kirsten Ritchie, founder of Strike it Out Inc, has a GoFundMe page to raise $60,000 to buy 40 second-hand sleeping pods. That’s only $1500 a person to get someone off the streets and into warm, secure emergency accommodation. Perhaps it’s also time for philanthropy from some of our larger Tasmanian companies. To them, the money needed is a drop in the bucket. Imagine the amazing PR opportunity for one of the large short-stay accommodation providers. They could partner with the University’s School of Architecture to design simple pods that could be made in Tasmania. There’s even potential for these to be assembled in some of our Men’s Sheds which are full of machinery and skilled volunteers. I stayed in a vacant office
Evicting tenants
WELL done to Tenants Union solicitor Ben Bartl against Housing Tasmania evicting tenants at the end of their lease. This has been going on for years and many innocent people have found themselves homeless and in desperate circumstances. What is the reason of the housing department for evicting good tenants from their homes which must have been so heartbreaking and soul destroying, then having the audacity to bring new tenants in straightaway? The general public want answers from the housing department.
Help, or turn our backs
WE have been told we have at least 40 people sleeping rough in the freezing cold on the Queens Domain. Our government and churches must at least send buses with heating and food relief. The other option is to callously turn our backs. We must provide food, medical supplies and warm shelter now. If we neglect this responsibility we may lose some of our loved ones. People must be shuttled to the City Hall where they can be safe and cared for. Many have substance abuse issues, mental health issues and come from dysfunctional families. Unless a holistic approach is taken, the whole problem will continue. All political parties need to work together and stop blaming each other!
Ample land free
CALLS to address the housing shortage are not being given the priority deserved. Calls for an AFL team seem to have centre stage. Reinstate the Housing Department, build homes and implement changes to Urban Growth Boundary rules, or call a state election and we can elect politicians who can provide solutions. Poorly built medium to high-rise units with cheap fixtures and fittings, small living areas, limited or no parking, reduced ceiling heights and no backyards are not for families, they are merely making developers wealthy at owner or renter expense. There is ample land to begin a concerted effort. Inaction can no longer be tolerated. The Hodgman Government was elected on a mandate to deliver promises and so far performance has been poor in many areas. Performance lately resembles Yes, Minister and that is an insult to the people of Tasmania.
Aboriginal names for new sites
DOES it really matter if places are renamed, since history can’t be changed? To have a reflection of the past, could it be an idea for new suburbs, land, business, commercial, educational or other be given Aboriginal names they would have had or could now have? Would it help to walk together from the past into the future? GPO Box 334, Hobart, Tas 7001
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