Affordable housing provider Common Ground seeking NGO to take the reins

HOBART affordable housing provider Common Ground is headed for new management, with the board seeking a non-government organisation to take the reins.

Common Ground Tasmania chairman Paul Lennon says it’s time for a longer-term management strategy to be put in place for the affordable housing units in Campbell St and Goulburn St.

HOBART affordable housing provider Common Ground is headed for new management, with the board seeking a non-government organisation to take the reins.

The new direction comes with a pledge that existing tenancies will be secure and current staff will continue to be employed. Common Ground has 97 units across its two sites in Campbell St and Goulburn St.

Based on a New York housing and homelessness model, Common Ground’s tenant mix includes at least 50 per cent working, low-wage earners and up to 50 per cent of people with a history of homelessness.

The decision to seek a larger organisation to take over follows the Auditor-General’s findings that Common Ground provides value for public money.

MORE: REVIEW BACKS COMMON GROUND

The audit was done at the request of Treasurer Peter Gutwein, because the Government was concerned the model was more expensive than other services.

The Common Ground Tasmania housing units for the homeless and low-income earners in Goulburn Street, Hobart.

Common Ground Tasmania chairman Paul Lennon said because the model had been proven as a financially sustainable and effective social housing option, it was time for a longer-term management strategy to be put in place.

“CGT has commenced discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services to manage a smooth transition of CGT to another non-government organisation,” Mr Lennon said.

“We will make sure the way forward causes the least disruption and anxiety possible for the Common Ground tenants, and the staff who support them.”

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the tenants of Common Ground were the Government’s priority.

Ms Petrusma confirmed her department had been in discussions with Common Ground on “their desire to transfer the support and management to an NGO”.

“The Common Ground buildings are State Government property, and if Common Ground Tasmania decides to stop delivering services at the Campbell and Liverpool sites we will work together to ensure transition arrangements are in place so that tenants will continue to receive appropriate support,” she said.