Hobart City council “hostile” toward homeless population
A group of activists say the City of Hobart has been “hostile” towards homeless people, at a time when many are doing it tough. Here’s why they removed fencing around heritage trees.
Tasmania
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Activists say the Hobart City Council’s response to homeless people has been “hostile”, after the group dismantled fencing around large trees at St David’s Park, which many once used for shelter.
Last month the council erected the fencing around sequoia trees in the park after a fire broke out and singed a heritage listed tree.
The fencing remained for weeks, preventing homeless people from seeking shelter under the trees, but on Tuesday evening, members of the Grassroots Action Network Tasmania undid the bolts attaching each fence.
“None of the panels or attachments were damaged or taken, simply dismantled and laid down,” spokesperson Caspar Childs said.
“The aim of the action was not to cause damage to infrastructure but rather to highlight the council’s lacklustre response to the issue.”
“This action is intended to point out the fact that while there are now fences around the trees, the same people are still in the same situation – homeless, living in the wind and rain in the park, but now without access to shade or shelter.”
Mr Childs said the council was quick to re-erect the fencing the next morning.
“The Hobart City Council does unfortunately have a long history of making life even more difficult for the houseless folks in our communities,” he said.
“Last year it was large boulders under the trees without any fires prior, and if not that they are moving the folks at the rivulet (in March) on as punishment for not having appropriate hygiene facilities.
“This kind of hostile response has been proven globally to do nothing to decrease homelessness but rather displaces people from where they are more comfortable to less sheltered, less safe areas out of the public eye.”
He said the council’s action came at a time when many were doing it tough.
“Homelessness rises year by year, with our shelters at capacity and having to turn folks away,” he said.
“The cost of rent in Hobart has jumped by over 60 per cent since 2016 and according to Census and TasWater data, there are roughly the same amount of homes sitting empty across Tasmania as there are folks without homes.”
City of Hobart CEO Michael Stretton said the fences were put up to protect the trees and minimise the “risk” to public safety.
“The City of Hobart has a strong relationship with the Salvation Army to support people without a home, while also monitoring the impact on public spaces and safety,” he said.
“The City also works regularly with Tasmania Police.
“It is important to reinforce that the tree has suffered damage and requires the Council to undertake rehabilitation works to ensure its ongoing survival.
“The fence has therefore been reinstated and the area will remain fenced off until such a time as it is safe to remove it and the rehabilitation work completed.”
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