WITH Queensland in the grip of a housing crisis, residents at a social housing complex at 27 Siemons St, One Mile say they are struggling to understand why multiple units have sat vacant for months while living conditions around them continue to deteriorate.
Resident Bob Kemp, who has lived at the 35-unit complex for more than six years, said three units were currently vacant, with two allegedly sitting empty for more than three months despite lengthy public housing waiting lists across the region.
“It is deeply frustrating to see units sitting vacant for months while people are living in cars, tents and on the streets,” he said.
Residents have also voiced concerns about what they say has been a steady decline in the maintenance and presentation of the complex over recent years.
“When I first arrived here, a team of six people used to come in and maintain the property and they did a great job,” Mr Kemp said.
“Unfortunately, over the years we’ve seen that standard steadily decline.”
Residents claim ongoing issues include overgrown common areas, blocked gutters, broken mailboxes, rubbish accumulation and a shortage of available parking.
“The Department of Housing has a duty of care to the people who live here,” Mr Kemp said.
“Tenants are expected to meet their responsibilities under their lease agreements, but we also expect the department to meet its responsibilities to us.”
The Department of Housing and Public Works said it took its role as Queensland’s largest landlord seriously.
“We actively follow up on concerns raised by tenants to ensure properties are maintained,” a department spokesperson said.
“Regular inspections are carried out, and when necessary, tenants are reminded of their obligation to assist in keeping properties clean and in good condition.”
Following enquiries from Local Ipswich News to the Department, Mr Kemp contacted the newspaper last Thursday to advise that a maintenance crew had attended the complex.
“A coincidence given after a seven-week absence that they turned up today following your questions put to the department,” Mr Kemp said.
While welcoming the work being carried out, he said residents remained concerned that broader issues had still not been addressed.
He had written to the Housing Minister multiple times regarding conditions at the complex, while State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne had visited the complex to hear concerns directly from residents.
“I’ve been raising concerns about the condition of the complex for years and have consistently called for it to be upgraded,” Ms Bourne said.
“My office regularly advocates on behalf of tenants at the complex who are simply asking for basic maintenance and a safe, decent place to live.
“Anyone who has seen newly built public housing would recognise that these units are well overdue for a significant upgrade and no longer meet the standard we should expect for social housing.
“If the Minister is confident everything is as it should be, I’d welcome him joining me for a visit to hear directly from residents and see the conditions for himself.”
Mr Kemp said residents were not seeking special treatment.
“We just want the complex maintained properly, better communication from Housing, and a bit of respect for the people who call this place home,” he said.
