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February 2008

One of the main topics for discussion at the November 2007 North Moreton Housing Network was the Forum facilitated by the Department of Communities and organized by the Sunshine Coast Chapter of the REIQ held late last year.The theme of the forum was ‘how to work with property managers to sustain tenancies” with the Keys to Early Intervention in Homelessness Service (KEIHS) based at the Sunshine Coast taking the lead role in presenting.The REIQ had promoted the forum as a discussion about safety for property managers and consequently this led to a misunderstanding amongst the Property Managers about the content of the forum.The KEIHS presenter, in their presentation, acknowledged the differences between the role of a property manager and that of programs such as KEIHS and TAASQ, but also highlighted how it may help property managers to benefit by achieving longer lasting tenancies and developing more harmonious relationship with tenants. Most of the property managers attending the forum were quite content to learn about the services available to tenants to assist those who were having difficulties in sustaining their tenancies. Some of the property managers in attendance, however, believed that their role was as financial managers of the owners’ properties and felt it was not their role to act as social workers.A considerable number of the property managers reported incidents of abuse and threats of violence from tenants they had to evict.While it must be said that when the property managers were invited to divide into groups to discuss sustaining tenancies, some left the forum. A considerable number of the property managers indicated they were willing to engage in the discussion.There was a general agreement amongst all the participants that more work needs to be done to include resources about how to get assistance in the form of welcome kits given to tenants by property managers at the start of a tenancy, which was a very positive move. An agreement was made at the forum that the KIEHS program and SCTAASQ service work in collaboration to produce a resource kit to include in tenants’ welcome kits.The KEIHS, SCTAASQ and NNTAASQ (who attended as observers) agreed that much more work needs to be done at government levels to encourage Real Estate Agents in Queensland to engage more positively with community organizations and programs whose role it is to assist tenants to sustain tenancies in the current rental shortage.

The Department of Housing announced details of its significant capital works program, which will provide approximately 83 units of housing (providing an estimated 220 bedrooms) in the Caboolture/ North Moreton area.  Approximately 23 of these housing units will be allocated to ATSI housing programs in the area. 

The Departmental spokesperson said that social housing comprises 5 percent of housing in the Caboolture area. 

The Department’s wait list has now become a “Register of Need”.

Network members stated that there is still no Domestic Violence or Youth Shelter in the area.

The area office continues to operate its Transitions Program visiting inmates at Woodford prison to assess those who do not have support networks to return to upon release and prioritise them for housing.   TAAS services also visit inmates and address TICA listings prior to release. The construction of 32 bedroom single unit boarding house style unit may serve as a transitional option.

The Department spokesperson also advised that residents in caravan parks purchased by the Department of Housing   will continue to reside on their pre-existing short term agreements.