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What can the Queensland government do to help Thursday Island with its housing crisis?
YOUR SAYWhat can the Queensland government do to help Thursday Island with its housing crisis?
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My name is Thomas Ahwang and I am a product of this society being Thursday Island/Torres Strait. For the last 20yrs the issues concerning indigenous housing on Thursday Island has been neglected by the previous Government, Queensland Housing has known of the problems through feedback and yet did nothing to heal the anguish and frustration experienced by locals in regards to this one of many issues concerning the indigenous housing on Thursday Island. The game of chess dictates reading potential moves as a result of chosen moves; I can’t help but feel that this situation has been masterminded. To squeeze the potential people who are qualified to fulfil positions in government out of the region. Falling upon def ears the true feedback has had its fate dealt with by the same dictatorship imposed upon the community. I was homeless on Thursday Island due to compound living. I came to Melbourne, to study at the Victorian College of the Arts which is now apart of Melbourne University. I was so happy to see SBS shine a light on the situation concerning one of many issues that need to be addressed, only dealing with the facts of what is happening in my home region – structures to empower the youth, all the way and not half way towards their desired goals. I suggest for starters that the Government implement right now the reduction of rent for indigenous housing on Thursday Island to align with the National Average for Indigenous Housing. As this will in turn lift the stress experienced with feeling poor. Survey the population of the region in question for a proposed action, with all of the indigenous reps at the receiving end to push the answer forward. The feedback and input from the region is absolute for the formula to work. Dictating against this will not help.
As usual, the problem is more with releasing land for development and problems with delaing with authorities and communities. Commercial operators would invest in these attractive real estate values and rentals given the opportunity.
hi all, My name is Janelle, at the present moment I live in a 3 Bedroom house out in the bush,not to far from the beach. I saw your story and my heart went out to those less fortunate in a place to live. What I would really like to know if there is anyone you know at Thursday Island wishing to move down the coast and stay with me at my home. I am able to rent out 2 rooms to a family of maybe 4. I am only asking for $50.00 a room per week. I work within the community here and am able to help this family find their own place after they have been settled in. Also I am of Aboriginal Decent with 3 Dingos on the place our (Warrigals or Campsite People ), I would prefer a Christen Family,as I am a Christen as well. Please feel free to contact me on cook_janelle@yahoo.com.au Yours With Our Lord Janelle Cook
Naomi that may have worked for you and how wonderful that you were able to build 3 homes, for that my congratulations. However many people on the TSI haven't got the money to have the necessary equipment to build a house. It's a disgrace...3000 into 650 dwellings doesn't go. Shame!
Regarding lack of housing on Thursday Island. Thursday Islanders should get enough land plots sorted out to allow for all housing needs. Then Queensland Government could hire a few teams of teacher/builders and offer low intrest rate loans for people to buy a small block of land and pay for building materials. Then all the adults who need accommodation could build their own houses. I am a woman of 63 years and I have build three houses for myself with very little money. I am half the physical size of the man interviewed on tv and I can see that he could easily apply himself to building if he really wanted a house - just like I had to do (with two children). It was hard work, it was fun, and I have a small, simple and beautiful house to live in. I just cannot believe that so many people think someone else should build their house!
i think it wasathe sixties when the Australian government allocated funds for housing in the Kimberly,s this was not as successfull as it might have been if they had orientated the poor desert people about how to use the facilities . given the distance of time and knowledge gained since the 50s and 60s , i feel certain these problems would not be repeated. The money should be and could be allacated from the budget to allow for 300 houses ,this should include tradesman from Thursday Island and any other country that can supply them ,but look at this as a great opportunity to fix unemployment by firstly letting all the labour be supplied by the potential new owners, the locals. this would build pride and enthusiasem amoung the locals while giving them an income. I am a white Australian but when i look at your beautifull country and especially your wonderfull people i wish i could [through all the battles and neglect]be one with you
This is a disgrace! Thankyou Living Black for bringing it to our attention! How can they possibly charge over $500 for a sub standard house??? Wouldn't happen anywhere else in the country!
I want to comment but cannot seem to get my comments through. Can I email to someone... geoffrey.lui@aqis.gov.au