By ALENA HIGGINS
A MEETING to discuss a council proposed sell-off of pensioner housing has failed to provide answers or hope, according to one tenant.
Residents of 54-56 Fitzroy Street, Warwick, met with Southern Downs Regional Council last Thursday to grill mayor Peter Blundell and council staff about its shock decision to wash its hands of community housing.
But questions, such as why affected tenants were not told of the resolution before now, were brushed aside, according to resident Dorothy West.
“A lot of what they said was a lot of hot air – you know, typical politicians,” the pensioner said.
“It’s much of a muchness. I know exactly the same now as I did before, I don’t feel reassured.”
The council resolved in camera at its October 2014 meeting to “divest itself of community housing”, starting with the initial sell-off of 24 units known as the Pioneer Cottages.
But residents were only advised of the decision by letter last month.
Ms West, who has lived at Pioneer Cottages for a little over a year, said she would try to find something else rather than take up the 12-month security of tenancy option.
“I certainly can’t afford to pay out for what the real estate people are asking,” she said when asked what she thought her chances of securing comparable housing was.
Cr Blundell admitted that not everyone was happy at the end of the meeting, which was closed to the media.
“Last week’s meeting between residents and council representatives was designed to give residents a voice and for them to ask questions,” he said.
“In this regard it was a good meeting.
“While I would not say everyone was happy at the conclusion of the meeting I do believe there is a better understanding of the situation and particularly the ‘where to from here’ question.”
The council became involved in pensioner housing in the 1980s when no other providers existed.
However, it now contends that organisations such as Churches of Christ and St Vincent de Paul Society, whose core business is to provide housing options for low to medium income earners, are able to fill the void.
“Council has committed to keeping residents informed of progress in this matter,“ Cr Blundell said.
