Social housing project for Penguin to be revised after significant community opposition

A social housing project that was so unpopular — that a petition against it garnered around 1100 signatures — is being revised. Why the project has caused anger.

The original plans for a social housing project at Penguin. Picture: Supplied.

Community backlash has forced a rethink of a planned social housing project in the state’s North-West.

Homes Tasmania had initially planned to rezone and subdivide 1 Ironcliffe Rd at Penguin for 50 blocks for use as residential land. The site used to be Penguin Football Club’s home ground until Dial Park was constructed.

However, the plan was met with opposition by some Penguin residents, with about 1100 people signing a petition against the social housing project.

Homes Tasmania said the community opposition resulted in the organisation rethinking the project.

“We are committed to delivering land where people can build homes to meet a range of needs, including those wanting to downsize from larger family homes or people wanting to buy their first home,” a spokesperson said.

“After extensive community consultation, we are now reviewing the design and intend to consult on a revised design in the new year.

“We will continue to keep the community updated on progress on the project and information is also available on our website.”

Larger-than-life penguin in the seaside town of Penguin, Tasmania, Australia Picture: Alamy

Penguin resident Ross Hartley said he was not against social housing, but thought the original proposal for the old football ground was inappropriate.

He also believed that other Penguin residents shared his view.

“The people of Penguin aren’t against social housing going on the site,” Mr Hartley said.

“They just want it to be more of a conversation and partnering with Homes Tasmania in getting something that is fitting with the character of the town and honours the cultural and social history of the site.”

With the previous plan, Mr Hartley said he felt Homes Tasmania was just “dumping” social housing into the old Penguin football ground.

“That’s probably not the best word to use, but they were going to do it without any recognition or understanding of the site as prime land.

“It’s metres from the beach, just behind the CBD. Most other Homes Tasmania developments are up in the suburbs.”