Government still dodging details on homeless highrise plan

It’s been more than a month, but the Housing Minister is still not answering questions about a plan to house at-risk people in a Toowong student building.

As Queensland opens up and COVID-19 cases plummet, Toowong residents and their state MP still have no answers on a plan to keep at-risk people safe in a student highrise.

Housing Minister Mick de Brenni stirred up a hornet’s nest when he quietly announced, on Good Friday, that his Department would move up to 300 people from crowded hostels at West End and Spring Hill.

The deal with student highrise accommodation owner Scape lasts until December, but with a 12-month option to extend.

Only about 50, or fewer, hostel residents have so far moved into the Atira tower at Glen Rd, neighbour Berry Freshney estimated.

He said despite that there had already been a number of incidents, including an Atira resident who banged on a car windscreen while the driver was stopped at traffic lights.

Another Atira resident was found walking across an elderly neighbour’s property.

They became stuck at Kays Rocks and had to be led through the neighbour’s house so they could get back to Atira.

“The (elderly neighbour) rang the police afterwards and the police response was to be calm and the situation would resolve itself,’’ Mr Freshney said.

“The (Atira) residents have nothing to do and no support facilities.

“This is an accident waiting to happen.’’

Department says Atira has 24/7 security, no visitor rule

Leaflet stirs up tension over highrise plan

Greens MP Michael Berkman wrote to Mr de Brenni on May 8 asking for clarification of the conditions which would trigger the option to extend.

He also demanded to know what criteria were used to choose the Glen Rd highrise, what other options were considered and whether the hostels would be upgraded so their residents could meet social distancing rules.

Mr de Brenni’s office responded with a general flyer, which it had already sent to neighbours, and a letter on April 28 which did not answer any of Mr Berkman’s questions.

“My office repeatedly and persistently sought answers to a range of questions from your Department via our liaison officer at the Fortitude Valley Housing Service Centre and directly from your office, leaving multiple messages for your staff,’' Mr Berkman wrote.

“Unfortunately, and despite promises to the contrary, until your letter of April 28 we received no response aside from a copy of the fact sheet which was distributed to a small number of local residents.’’

LNP candidate for Maiwar, Lauren Day, said the community deserved to know if this was a temporary or long-term decision and if Mr Berkman supported the new residents remaining

beyond COVID-19.

She also accused Mr Berkman of “being asleep at the wheel’’ and said he should have known about the announcement much earlier.

“He has long said we need to close prisons, legalise drugs including ecstasy and create one million social homes – does he plan for this block to be turned into permanent social housing?’’ Ms Day said.

“I believe everyone deserves a second chance and everyone needs help during COVID-19.

“We must look after those who are vulnerable as part of our community responsibility.

“But that means ensuring those at risk have access to the facilities and health professionals they need.

“We are told some women moving in have escaped domestic violence situations.

“If that is the case, why on earth are vulnerable women being forced into a situation that could make them feel unsafe?

“Police are now preparing to increase patrols in the area and security will be ramped up.’’

Mr Berkman said the Housing Department plan had caused significant concern in the local community.

“My office continues to field an extraordinarily high volume of calls and emails relating to this issue,’’ he said.

His letter also said residents had seen breaches of social distancing rules, there had been trespassing on nearby properties and harassment of neighbours.

“I am strongly supportive of additional Government investment to support vulnerable people, and I know that many in our community feel the same way,’’ he wrote.

“I am eager to work with you (Mr de Brenni) to ensure that the needs of both current residents and our new neighbours are being met.’’