Dear Editor,
There are people living in empty shop fronts along East Street. Now not only does it look tatty, but it must be very uncomfortable and cold for them.
Could the council not approach Tent World or Anaconda to see if they would donate some tents, and then put these people up in the showrounds by the amenities, where I am sure they would be more comfortable.
I realise with the show this week this may not be feasible but would give council more time to organise something.
Put them separate from the caravanners, and maybe charge them a rent of $10 a week, to cover cleaners’ costs.
You would only need small tents for the single people and maybe a family tent for families living in their cars.
But something does need to be done about East Street dwellers.
JUDITH HEWSON
This letter received by Local Ipswich News raises the big question of homelessness.
As the cost-of-living crisis grows and for some people our city’s footpaths increasingly become “home”, it is imperative that we treat this issue with the urgency it deserves.
This is not an issue limited to Ipswich – the nation is suffering the same crisis. We know there are plenty of good people and organisations in our city that are working hard to alleviate homelessness.
But the glaring fact is, as our letter writer points out, we need to do more.
As the old saying goes: “Charity begins at home”.
Which begs the questions: What can Ipswich do for Ipswich? How can we better support the people being forced to live in the doorways of East St, Browns Park and various “family-friendly” parks throughout the city.
IMPACT OF HOMELESS CRISIS ON IPSWICH
Earlier this month, Ipswich City Mayor Teresa Harding met with Independent Review on Homelessness Response in Queensland reviewer Rachel Hunter to address the crisis and its impact on Ipswich.
Cr Harding said that while the State was tasked with the responsibility for housing and homelessness, the community still looked to councils to step up when times got tough and to advocate on their behalf.
“I’m very glad to be able to meet with Ms Hunter to put forward the most pressing issues around homelessness and housing residents are facing here in Ipswich,” Cr Harding said.
“Rising housing and rental costs continue to climb and homes continue to be in short supply, deepening the housing crisis. Social housing stock remains low, and it will take years before this pressure is eased.”
Cr Harding put forward a motion on the issue at last year’s Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference, highlighting that the issue was not improving.
“I put forward that motion to call on the Queensland Government to significantly increase funding to local community providers for outreach in response to the housing crisis, recognising that housing and homelessness is the responsibility of the State,” Cr Harding said.
She said Ipswich needed a Homeless Health Outreach Team (HHOT) similar to the ones currently in place in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.
The Queensland Government commissioned an independent review of the response to homelessness in Queensland, with the final report to be provided within 10 months.
The question is, will 10 months be too long to wait.
As the leading truly local publication in Ipswich, we ask you, our readers, what you really think on the issue so we can take those thoughts to those who say they listen as they go to sleep in their warm beds.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE IDEAS – DO YOU HAVE OTHER IDEAS? Please email us at [email protected].
