HOUSING STRESS IN TASMANIA: WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE & WHO IS CULPABLE

HOMELESSNESS & 5 IN THE FRAME FOR THE ABANDONED NURSES'S HOME

 

Since the ABC has given Launceston's Councillors a serve in regard to the contempt that have for people in HOUSINGstress it is timely to reawaken the effort to get a commitment from 'governance' on the future use of the LGH's Abandoned Nurses Home. SEE https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1643368356437306&set=a.986876722086476

The dust has settled after the election and the Liberals have not come out of looking all that shinny! Before the election they had shut down meaningful community consultation. In fact they had turned obfuscation, DUCKshoving and BUREAUCRATICcircumvention into an ARTform! They'll all turn up for a RIBBONcutting, a PHOTOopportunity, or the opening of an envelope in the middle of the road, BUT engage meaningfully with their constituency, well that was (is??) a bridge too far!

While this group of historic buildings have been deemed to "surplus to requirement" and beyond repair there are community members with expertise who are willing to independently assess that questionable bureaucratic 'deeming'. The signs are that these building are eminently restorable and they ideas about how that might be achieved. Quite simply that needs to be tested!

Speculatively, these buildings are seen as being "ripe'" for a developer and given what has happened in the city in recent years the speculation seems to have legs. On the other hand, Launceston has been persuaded to FLOGoff York Park and the community is fed all kinds of BS. Who benefits? It's unlikely to be all the Launcestonians who have underwritten extraordinary capital expenditure.

All the BS here is fundamentally aimed at 'management' having its status quoism and 'power' protected. The icing on the cake for management is that they have the 'elected representatives' eating out of their hands as they laugh all the way to the bank with their bloated salary packages. And the hapless ratepayers pick up the bill for all manner dystopia because management see ratepayers as a money source who "do not need to make a profit". it is no joke but here are some unkind jokes exchanged around the water cooler at Councillors' and ratepayers' expense at Town Hall.

When people suffering housing stress are treated with scant regard and with social and cultural consequences being what they are, ratepayers and taxpayers are sold short on a daily basis. No wonder that those in governance in Tasmania are disinclined to expose themselves to accountability given what they have invested in the status quo.

Accountability breeds response-ability and that's the rub. If it is too hot in the kitchen, then go get a real job where accountability is a fundamental requirement – say in a medical facility.

At some time, our representatives need to step up to the plate and represent the interests of those who they represent and who pay them handsomely to do what they seem so, so disinclined to do.

DYSTOPIAN GOVERNANCE,,THE PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA

Because its everywhere it does not mean that

we have to tolerate bureaucratic dystopia or

Councillor's ineptitude in Launceston

War is peace. Freedom is slavery.

Ignorance is strength.
George Orwell

Try to see it my way, only time will tell

if I am right or I am wrong.

While you see it your way, there's a

chance that we might fall apart before

too long.

We can work it out.

We can work it out.
John Lennon

 

TOWN HALL, HOUSING STRESS AND UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD

 

ABC STORY WITH IMAGES LINK CLICK HERE

Sleeping pods for homeless people sitting empty at Launceston storage facility

By Ashleigh Barraclough Posted 3h ago3 hours ago

The seven sleeping pods are fitted into a trailer, providing a safe place to sleep at night.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

http://abc.net.au/.../temporary-accommodation.../103729372

• In short: A trailer containing seven "sleeping pods" set up by homelessness charity Strike It Out is sitting empty and unused, as the charity accuses the local council of putting up barriers to the project.

• Strike It Out is concerned about people sleeping on the streets and in cars as winter approaches.

• What's next? Launceston City Council says the charity needs to provide a detailed proposal and risk assessment so it can assess the project's feasibility.

At a storage facility in northern Tasmania, temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness sits empty.

In 2019, Launceston-based homelessness charity Strike It Out purchased seven "sleeping pods" from local accommodation provider Pod Inn and had them fitted into a trailer.

The charity's founder, Kirsten Ritchie, had a vision to give people on the streets a safe place to sleep at night and facilitate access to services such as TAFE Tasmania courses and counselling.

Kirsten Ritchie purchased the sleeping pods back in 2019.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

It's a much-needed service as homelessness is a greater issue in Launceston than in some other places.

The latest census data, from 2021, shows 67 in every 10,000 people in Launceston are homeless, compared to the national average of 48. [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

The sleep pod project is ready to go, and Ms Ritchie is hoping to line up seven women to initially stay in the pods for a small fee.

"This is about transitioning them from on the street, to giving them the tools and the skills and whatever that looks like for a successful future," Ms Ritchie said.

The trailer also contains lockers, and is equipped with solar panels to supply the pods with electricity. A second trailer has been fitted out with two showers.

A second mobile trailer contains two showers.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

Sleeping pods have been used before as crisis accommodation in Brisbane, while charities in regional Queensland have set up "sleep buses". [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

But after finishing the project, which cost more than $100,000, the trailers are sitting unused outside the charity's Newstead storage facility because there is nowhere to put them.

"It's just sitting there when we've got people that need help – not tomorrow, today," she said.

"We're coming into winter and there's still no action." [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

The pods are equipped with security cameras and an emergency/duress alarm.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

Back and forth with council on red tape

Strike It Out last year put an expression of interest in for a Launceston City Council-owned space on Frederick Street, where there used to be a kindergarten.

That was ultimately given to the Launceston History Centre.

Strike It Out was unsuccessful in its application for the old kindergarten site.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

The council said it needed a detailed written proposal, including a risk assessment, to consider Strike It Out's project for other sites. [DYSTOPIAN BUREAUCRATIC STATUS QOUISM & BOVINEdust]

"Once this is provided, the City of Launceston will be in a position to investigate the project's feasibility, taking into account the fact that safety is super important," Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood said. [YES the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

"The City of Launceston appreciates [BUT nonetheless just does not see its need to deliver on UPG] the proactive approach of organisations such as Strike It Out, and will continue to work alongside community organisations and all levels of government to take collective action to support those experiencing homelessness."[AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

Ms Ritchie said Strike It Out had been speaking to the council about the project for two years, and had submitted a formal proposal last year, which included risk mitigation strategies.

"When we did an expression of interest for Frederick Street, I emailed every counsellor and the mayor — they got a copy of our proposal," she said. [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

Site manager, security cameras to help manage risks

The project is ready to go, but the trailer is sitting in a storage facility in Launceston.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

The proposal, provided to the ABC, outlines risk mitigation strategies such as the presence of an around-the-clock site manager, security cameras, medical/duress alarms and smoke alarms.

Ms Ritchie said a location had been secured with the council in the project's early days, but it became unfeasible when the space available to the charity was cut in half. [STUMBLEstones a plenty AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

Peter hides his belongings and hopes 'no-one finds them'. He wants to see more lockers

Peter Myers is homeless and has to contend with keeping his belongings hidden in bushes to ward off theft. He is one of many people sleeping rough in Launceston who want more personal lockers installed.

She accused the council of putting up barriers to the project and not communicating. [The evidence is there AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

"It is ready to go, and at end the day, be proactive — we're here to help our community members, that's what we're here for,"

She has now prepared a detailed risk assessment which she will send to council, along with the proposal.

Launceston City Council has a homelessness advisory committee, and recently closed consultation on its draft statement of commitment on homelessness. [Well this committee was designed to be a TALKfest and it delivered in spades ... OUTCOME = TOOhard for Council and OMG go see a charity if you are suffering from housing stress]

"Although local government typically has restricted influence on the root factors leading to homelessness, the City of Launceston is committed to assuming a leadership role with a people-first approach," the statement says. [DYSTOPIAN BUREAUCRATIC STATUS QOUISM & BOVINEdust AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting ... IT IS DIMINISHING]

Cold nights starting to bite

Strike It Out does homelessness outreach in the evenings around Launceston.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)[ AND Strike It Out knows about UPG!!]

In the evenings, Strike It Out staff are on the streets handing out food and supplies to people like Greg Davy.

Mr Davy has been homeless for just over a year, and used to volunteer with Strike It Out himself.

He is part of a community staying at the disused tram shed in the Launceston suburb of Invermay.

"We've got power and everything, we've got shelter, we've got a firepot," he said.

"Most other people are not so lucky, winter time is going to be very hard for them."

Greg Davy is frustrated the sleeping pod project has not been given a home.(ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)

Mr Davy is disappointed the sleeping pod project has not yet gotten off the ground, having seen all the work Ms Ritchie put into it. [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting]

"You couldn't get a better set up, but they keep blocking it, they won't let her put it anywhere," he said.

He is planning to apply for a rental soon, but believes the project would make a big difference for others sleeping on the streets.

"It would mean everything to them," he said.

"Because they've got a warm bed, air conditioning, lights, it's secure so they can lock it down," he said. [AND the Mayor delivers consoling rhetoric fed to him by management at every RIBBONcutting AND the State Govt stands by sitting on their hands ..., DYSTOPIAN BUREAUCRATIC STATUS QOUISM writ large!!]

"It's dog eat dog out there."

PROJECT ZERO WASTE

WATCH THIS SPACE

https://zerowasteaustralia.org/

LINK ... https://zwia.org/zwh/

https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Upcoming-Events/Repair-Cafe

SEE: https://repaircoop7250.blogspot.com/p/repair-culture.html

What is a Repair Cafe?

A Repair Cafe is a regular free face-to-face meeting of skilled volunteers and local residents to fix broken household items. Visitors bring broken items from home and learn how to fix them with the help of repairers. Some items may be fixed during a single event, others may take multiple visits or a referral to a local speciality repair shop. Repair Cafes also offer a great opportunity to connect with your local community with a cup of tea and a chat!

Starting in Amsterdam in 2009, there are now over 2,500 Repair Cafes around the world. Each Repair Cafe plays an important role in the local circular economy and collectively prevent over 350,000kg of waste going to landfill each year. For more information visit www.repaircafe.org.

This project is delivered in partnership with Circular North, supported by the Tasmanian Government through the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board.

If you have any other questions or comments regarding the Launceston Repair Cafe, please contact us at repaircafe@launceston.tas.gov.au.

https://repaircoop7250.blogspot.com/

LINK ... https://notrubbish.blogspot.com/

LAUNCESTON CITY COUNCIL: QUESTIONS ON NOTICE TO MAYOR AND ALL COUNCILLORS ... Public Questions on Notice April 18 2024

 City of Launceston Council Meeting Agenda nThursday 18 April 2024 Page 17

Presumed authorised by Mayor Garwood

8.1.3. Public Questions on Notice - Ray Norman - Birchalls Building, Waste and Recovery Management; and Citizens Assemblies - 10 April 2024 

8.1.3. Public Questions on Notice - Ray Norman - Birchalls Building, Waste and Recovery Management; and Citizens Assemblies - 10 April 2024

FILE NO: SF6381/SF0634/SF2628/SF4670/18182/18181/63380

AUTHOR: Lorraine Wyatt (Council and Committees Officer)

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Shane Eberhardt

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES:

The following questions, submitted to Council on 10 April 2024 by Ray Norman, have been answered by Shane Eberhardt (Acting Chief Executive Officer).

QUESTION 1

CONTEXT NOTE

Given the plethora of rumours surrounding Council’s (NO Launceston’s ratepayers)

acquisition of the Birchalls Building (BB) some of which is as follows:

• The current intended ‘purchaser’ of BB has purchased or intends to purchase the

Myer Building; and

• The current intended ‘purchaser’ of BB has or intends sue Council for a large

amount albeit that the Mayor acting on managerial advice says that it is not so; and

• The current intended ‘purchaser’ of BB has apparently been unable to meet a

commitment and for all intension’s purposes no longer figures in whatever comes

next for the BB in regard to its future; and

• The city’s ratepayers can only look forward to an initial FISCALloss AND a loss of

opportunity PLUS further and ongoing losses; and

• The accumulated debts and losses consequent to what appears to be a

MANAGEMENT DRIVEN initiative that has thus far has not delivered any kind of

dividend – fiscal, social nor cultural – and that this circumstance shows every

prospect of being compounded without the ratepayers’ ELECTED

REPRESENATIVES taking charge of the situation; and

• There being acknowledgement aground THEtable that around it there is insufficient

collective knowledge, skills, or experience to bring the BBdebacle to the best

possible resolution; and

• There now needs to be a CIRCUITbreaker put in place to ensure that the city’

ratepayers suffer no further losses given the current inequitable outcome that

ratepayers have been forced into and to bear.

Page 18

THE QUESTION

Given that Council finds itself in an invidious position along with ratepayers will Council now move proactively to empanel a CITIZEN’S ASSEMBLY tasked to discover the actual circumstances that have led to this debacle; share its finding with the community; and offer advice on an equitable way forward where ratepayers’ losses are minimalised?

Response:

Council continues to make informed decisions which are provided to the public when

appropriate to do so, through a variety of formats.

QUESTION 2

CONTEXT NOTE

Given that all the indications appear to be that:

• The city’ WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE appears to be consigning something in

the order of 50% of the incoming ‘waste stream’ that is deemed to be ‘waste’ and

thus consigned to landfill; and

• There is no proposed mechanism, managerial or other, to differentiate what might

be understood as ‘resource’ and what is truly ‘waste matter’; and

• Consequently, there is feasibly a high percentage if the ‘50% deemed to be waste’

that is indeed an unacknowledged ‘resource’ but nonetheless goes to landfill; and

• All this arguably runs counter to Council’s CLIMATE BEMERGENCY POLICY and

policies in place in other local governance jurisdictions; and

• Where there is an identifiable ‘status quo’ mindset that asserts that there is no

MARKET for the resources in the 50% of the incoming ‘waste stream’ is deemed

to be only fit for landfill; an

• Moreover, is oblivious to the current and urgent need for ‘sustainable resource

recovery’ worldwide; and

• Additionally, too few opportunities are being provided to Council Officers in this area

to acquire new knowledge, appropriate resources and/or skill sets to challenge the

status quo; and

• Executive Management until recently has been asserting that the city’s ‘Waste

Management Centre’ is ‘Cost Neutral’ when explored further it becomes evident

that is a “goal” NOT A FISCALfact; and

• Essentially, the community is being effectively locked out of any ‘policy

determination process’ that might initiate change. Altogether, all this places Launceston’s ratepayers in situation that would be avoided with appropriate and proactive community engagement.

Page 19

THE QUESTION

Given that Council and ratepayers find themselves in unsustainable circumstances

relevant to more sustainable resource recovery strategies, will Council now move

proactively to rename the ‘waste’ management centre to ’resource’ recovery centre and by extension, empanel a CITIZEN’S ASSEMBLY tasked to discover the actual

circumstances that actually pertain in this ‘space’ share its finding with Councillors, andnthe community; as well as offering advice on an equitable way forward where in excess of 90% of the incoming ‘waste stream’ can be deemed to be a resource?

Response:

Waste Management, incorporates a broad range of issues requiring different

strategies to tackle priorities ranging from landfill, to the recovery and management of

resources such as Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) and hazardous materials

and the environmental impacts associated with this.

QUESTION 3

CONTEXT NOTE

Given that Council management up to now has fervently opposed every proposition

advanced to initiate a CITIZEN’S ASSEMBLY/JURY while the lack of the ADVICE such bodies elsewhere are delivering is making for better civic outcomes and delivering more appropriate governance. For example, the Ostbelgien Model – that provides for a longterm Citizens' Council combined with short-term Citizens' Assemblies – is arguably delivering better and more equitable governance.

In Ostbelgien (German for Eastern Belgium, the German-speaking community of the country) in 2019, a permanent Citizens' Council was established in Ostbelgien to constitute the third fundamental democratic institution together with the Parliament and the Executive. While it might well be argued that this GOVERNANCEmode does not fit theTASMANIAN circumstance it on the available evidence can safely be regarded as selfserving ‘vacuous rhetoric’ – or in the vernacular, GOLDplated BOVINEdust.

Clearly the inhibitor here is the in-built transparency and accountability and given that

status quoists can forever be relied upon to promulgate such ill-informed decision making that is disconnected from those it is supposed to serve. It is submitted that Citizen’s

Assemblies/Juries and like ‘forums’:

• Can and do deliver better governance outcomes; and

• Can and do deliver appropriate dispute resolutions; and

• Can and do deliver appropriate community consultation mechanisms; and

• Can and do provide for meaningful replacements for in-house ‘advisory

committees’ where Councillors (those being advised) are advising Council

(themselves) and who are there delivering status quo advice as a consequence.

Page 20

Marianne Williamson … “Today’s status quo is unsustainable. Things are going to break in one direction or the other: either toward greater democracy and justice, or toward dystopia and authoritarianism.” Marianne Williamson will find many on the streets of Launceston who would openly support her and who fear ‘authoritarianism and dystopia’!

THE QUESTION

Given the implied and real benefits relative to Citizen’s Assemblies/Juries and like forumsnwill Council now move proactively to initiate a strategic policy shift to: firstly, make such assemblies an ongoing feature of the city’s governance; and secondly work with adjoining local governance jurisdictions to likewise adopt such a strategic policy shift?

Response:

Mr Norman's requests for the establishment of Citizen's Assemblies have been

previously addressed by the Council. The Council is committed to maintaining its focus on existing engagement processes with external and internal stakeholders, including, community members and organisations, employees and other relevant agencies, as required.