In the paper (Mercury 17/7/23) appeared a small article entitled ‘Chigwell residents in limbo’. The article alleged that residents living in a Housing Tasmania property had been advised by letter that their home was to be demolished by the end of the year. The article did not state the actual location but research revealed it as the large internal block at 5a Taree Street.

Council sold that block to Housing Tasmania (now Homes Tasmania) back in November 2022 (Mercury 26/11/22). Council had identified the property during its ongoing program to dispose of surplus properties. A sale was not guaranteed since the block was a battleaxe property inside a block with a single narrow driveway access.

It was indeed fortuitous that Housing Tasmania owned adjoining blocks which might be incorporated into a major development across the centre of the block. Housing Tasmania identified the opportunity and bought the block. Council in its own media release about the sale showed great satisfaction in the result. A casual reader might think that Council had offered the land directly to Housing Tasmania, and Housing Tasmania had said ‘thank you very much’ and handed over $1.25 million. But no, the land was sold in a public process (advertised by Harcourts Signature Mercury 1/9/22). Housing Tasmania (we assume) was the highest offer.

Remember that media release. It said: ‘Homes Tasmania will consult with neighbours and key stakeholders when preparing the development application for the site in the New Year.’

That does not appear to have happened. But then the word ‘consult’ means different things to different people.

And it says a great deal about Homes Tasmania culture that their staff apparently felt no need to convey such serious and life-changing news in person. No respect for their tenants. And as for their relocation, let us hope they are not moved to the fringes of our city (or out of our city).

The image for this post: It shows the only visible indication of change on the block, a forbidding sign at the only entrance. It seems that Council’s only interest after putting up the sign and installing a gate at the entrance was to keep the grass down.