Providing housing has historically been a State Government responsibility. This has been supplemented by the outstanding efforts of churches and charities. Conditions now demand that we, as a council, enter the fray.
In my eyes it is just unacceptable, bordering on immoral, that we build “shiny and pretties” and fund things that in my eyes should be self-funded, while families are living in tents and sleeping in cars.
Before anyone starts talking about what these families should or should not do, you need to understand a few things. Money does not guarantee you a place to rent when there are none available. Secondly, it is exponentially harder for large families.
We have had a family of ten sleeping in tents and a family of twelve sleeping in cars in a workshop. These families are being punished for doing something deserving of admiration. Both families had taken on kids from dysfunctional families and now they themselves find themselves in a precarious position.
Up until now, all I see is a proliferation of talkfests about “affordable housing”. I sometimes wonder if this is just a way to not actually have to do something.
Why? Because as anyone with any idea knows, affordable housing is neither likely nor prompt.
We need to change the term to “accommodation”. Let’s take steps to “accommodate” people NOW and find housing once they are accommodated.
It was stated to me, when I suggested a property that had shared kitchens and bathrooms, that this was “not safe”. To me this is utterly absurd. Sleeping in a tent near a boat ramp seems astronomically more unsafe, yet we condemn vulnerable people, by our inaction, to this danger.
Times are desperate, and they will only get more desperate as Christmas approaches and families spend the “festive” season sleeping rough.
This is the time for giving, so I ask you to give ten minutes of your time to make a difference. Email your local politicians today – federal, state and local – and ask them to make accommodating families in our region a priority.
These families deserve a roof over their heads.
Cr Martin Bella
Mackay Regional Council
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
