First residents move out of COVID homeless highrise
The first group of vulnerable people moved into a Toowong student highrise at the start of lockdown have been shifted to new accommodation.
South West
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About 300 homeless and at-risk people controversially moved into a luxury Toowong student highrise to protect them from COVID-19 have been shifted into new accommodation.
The Housing Department confirmed with local Greens MP, Michael Berkman, that the residents would be gradually moved over the “coming months’’ into private rental or long-term social housing properties.
Mr Berkman said he had also been assured extra support staff would be rostered on to monitor behaviour and help the vulnerable occupants.
Neighbours said they were unaware of any movements since it was revealed a week ago that the Department would not renew its lease over the Atira student building, in Glen Rd.
The lease agreement expires on January 18.
However, one had been told there were 210 residents still in the building.
One neighbour, who declined to be named, said three police cars were parked out the front of the building on Saturday and public nuisance issues had not abated.
Another neighbour, who also did not wish to be named, said there were “dozens’’ of ambulances on site in the past week alone, fire alarms were now going off frequently, police attended every day. She also found a large knife thrownin her garden this week.
THE ATIRA SAGA SO FAR
Atira Toowong lease won’t be renewed
Homeless highrise plan cost $22k per person
Inspector says fixed police beat ‘not appropriate’ at shopping centre
Police online map reveals crime surge
Atira Lease decision in September/October
‘Our suburb’s gone to hell’: resident
No visitors allowed, 24/7 security
Housing Minister dodges questions on plan
Homeless to be moved to Brisbane highrise
Nearby residents have complained of being propositioned and abused, trespassing, drug deals in letterboxes, public urination and indecent exposure by some people living at Atira.
Another resident said some people had been illegally camping in nearby Perrin Park and Kayes Rocks lookout was littered with bottles and junk despite Council boosting its cleanup schedule.
Housing Minister Mick de De Brenni quietly announced the $6m lease deal with multinational student accommodation giant Scape on Good Friday.
Mr Berkman, LNP Councillor for the area James Mackay and residents were not informed.
“My Department is committed to working with all partners in the Rapid housing Response to ensure the residents at 33 Glen Rd, Toowong are able to live with others in their community,’’ Mr de Brenni said in a letter to Mr Berkman.
“I acknowledge there have been incidents in the vicinity of the building raised by community members.
“It is unfortunate that the poor behaviour of a small group of residents, or from non-residents seeking to exploit them, has created concerns for neighbours.
“I am advised the body corporate representatives have held discussions with operational leaders of the provider organisations to raise these concerns and seek actions to reduce the level of poor behaviour.
“I assure you that the Department and working partners of the Rapid Housing Response are committed to resolving the issues raised.
“The Department has successfully transitioned over 35 people from Glen Rd … into longer-term social and private rental accommodation.
“The department and providers are working with other state agencies to continue to progress the transitioning arrangements over the coming months, as the Department has decided not to seek any extension on the lease which concludes on January 18.
“Any tenant behaviours which jeopardise community safety by putting others at risk through dangerous behaviours or illegal activities will not be tolerated and these activities should be reported immediately to the Queensland Police Service to respond.’’
Mr Berkman said it was important no-one would be removed into homelessness and would be provided with safe alternative housing.
“In response to residents’ feedback, service providers and the Department of Housing have now rostered on more senior staff to manage any ongoing issues at Atira, especially over the weekends where more support may be needed,’’ he said.
“Despite some really disappointing attempts by the LNP to divide our community and exploit folks living at Atira for political gain, Toowong residents have been overwhelmingly patient and compassionate, and I’m grateful to them for working with me so I can pass feedback on to the Department and service providers to address concerns.
“I’m glad the State Government was able to provide safe housing for folks in need during COVID-19, but this was ultimately only a short-term solution and my focus has always been on securing long-term, safe housing solutions that work for the whole community.
“The problem doesn’t end here: right now Queensland’s social housing wait list has ballooned to more than 40,000 people, as successive State governments have failed to properly invest in social homes.
“That’s why earlier this year I announced the Greens’ long term plan to fund and deliver universal social housing with well-designed, accessible and distributed homes for all, creating 20,000 construction jobs per year in the process.”
LNP candidate for the local seat of Maiwar, Lauren Day, said the Labor Government completely ignored the community and backed down only after months of sustained pressure. “It should never have come to this,” she said.
“Up to 300 at-risk people should never have been placed into one building without community consultation or appropriate amenity.’’
