11 August 2012 -
Dear Hon Dr Flegg,
Minister for Housing and Public Works
Moggill@parliament.qld.gov.au
I am disappointed with a proposal to sell three caravan parks providing a unique and important service for the community.
Surely a range of alternatives should have been considered before such a flawed strategy was put in place causing harm to so many vulnerable people.
Would you consider visiting the close knit, supportive Monte Carlo Cannon Hill community to observe the distress your decision has already caused and the contribution residents have made to their environment?
Thanks for your time.
Phillip Young
Mansfield 4122
CLUMSY LNP LAND SALE
On 27 July the LNP Government announced its intention to sell three caravan parks, blaming its ownership of the land for serious problems in the public housing system. Minister for Housing and Public Works, Dr Flegg, gave the task of advising residents to Director General, Natalie MacDonald and Robin Zakharov, Director of Private Housing Programs. Their role was to advise residents the LNP government no longer wanted to stay in the caravan park business.
An unaddressed letter was dropped off by the park manager to each resident, no meeting, no officials to explain the decision.
The LNP Government claims $19.3 million in acquisition and facility upgrading costs justify selling parks that have been returning profits for the government.
The department held back the rate rebate to which the residents were entitled.
200 people at Monte Carlo own their homes and rent the land from the government.
Instead of being acknowledged for their initiative and practical service they are being treated poorly.
Residents must meet council requirements and provide a structural engineering certificate.
They build gardens, verandas and infrastructure.
Their investment in the village was on the understanding of a lifetime commitment.
They live in the village because they enjoy the lifestyle and supportive, caring community.
Many residents reduce the burden on shared facilities by building their own shower and toilet facilities.
Half the residents do not have a car but manage well because of close public transport and a major shopping centre they can walk to in a few minutes.
The threat of seeing their homes and dreams being trashed is unfair, unjust and distressing.
Since 2003 residents have worked tirelessly to rehabilitate a 12 hectare area of neglected bushland.
Their efforts help reduce crime in the area and provide an introduction to bush care for hundreds of children each year.
Monte Carlo Caravan Park was purchased in 1991 to preserve permanent accommodation sites.
Natalie MacDonald says money from the sale of three caravan parks will be invested in social and affordable housing.
Really???
They upset, frustrate and disturb a peaceful village, paying their way, to save the government money?
Selling Monte Carlo will put more pressure on the public housing system and waste valuable resources.
If a property owner wanted to get people off side and cause maximum anxiety, stress and trauma when proposing a change in conditions the Housing Department has laid out the formula that should be followed.
Public Works chose to provide a gold plated upgrade to the village.
Did residents ask for an extravagant carved stone sign at the entrance?
Did they ask for roads to be constructed so strong a fleet of mining trucks could use the area safely?
Did residents ask for the government to bring in expensive tourism administrators not experienced in running that type of village?
Out of the goodness of their hearts the LNP plans to allow residents to stay for 18 months till they make other arrangements?
Few of the homes would be able to be relocated without major expense.
It will be impossible to find appropriate accommodation that comes even close to providing what the close knit community is already achieving together.
If building public housing is the goal, why not begin a process of using land available at the caravan parks?
Construction could be staggered with vacant blocks used first and others built as land became available.
Residents spent limited resources, trusting a promise from the previous government they would be safe.
Residents are not chasing compensation, they want to stay in their home and a supportive community environment.
The Housing department acknowledges a new owner will set the prices they see fit once the sale is complete.
The lack of counseling or practical assistance to find private rental or apply for social housing demonstrates what a pathetic exercise this has been.
Residents now ‘own’ a valueless asset that will disqualify them from government funded housing.
They have nowhere to go and have invested life savings on the understanding of promised security and independence.
Has the LNP Government already agreed with a developer that the land will become available?
Here’s an alternative.
Sell off the electoral office of the Housing Minister. It is probably is not returning a profit.
He can work from a caravan in his yard or from either of his flash ministerial or parliamentary offices.
The Minister could audit the outrageous overspending on Q Build contracts, waste of money on fencing and scaffolding as job deadlines blow out.
He could ensure there is no favours to contractors being paid obscene amounts for jobs that come their way by publishing payments being made to contractors. The cost of rebadging government departments, making them fancy enough for precious directors and managers should be easily and transparently available to the public. The LNP has maintained generous staff levels in Ministerial offices attempting to manage their appetite for public relations.
Hundreds of people shattered by the LNP Government deserve a better outcome.
Ends
I am local member of the community who appreciates the effort made by Monte Carlo residents to care for others and restore Cannon Hill Bushland. They serve their community without demands. I do not speak on behalf of anyone at the village.
Bush care on Bulimba Creek
A 12 hectare parcel of land fronting Bulimba Creek on Wynnum Rd behind a Woolworth Petrol Station, was a forgotten piece of degraded bushland, routinely being used for rubbish dumping, and squatting.
It was infested with weeds but, in contrast, it housed the highest density squirrel glider population in Australia!
With the help of local police and council rangers, the community was mobilized to action to save this important habitat- to remove weeds and rubbish, revegetate the area with native plants, to provide ongoing provision for the squirrel gliders and other native animals and birds, and encourage appropriate public care and use of the bushland corridor.
The Cannon Hill Bush Care Group was formed to manage the project involving many volunteers from the local Monte Carlo Caravan Park. In collaboration with the Brisbane City Council, resources and long hours have gone intro reviving this now exquisite expanse of local bushland adjacent to the banks of Bulimba Creek. The bush care group are working their way to where the reserve emerges onto Creek Road.
No comments:
Post a Comment