by Ross Hartley
Penguin awoke in July to discover Housing Tasmania had plans to build social housing on its much loved old footy ground. This is prime real estate on Ironcliffe Road just behind the beachfront CBD. The community response was rapid, two public meetings each with more than 100 locals attending.
While the community welcomes social housing on the site it is insisting the masterplan gel with the look and feel of its tourist town and village lifestyle, proudly referred to as the NW’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. The original Housing layout, looking more like a detention centre, was completely rejected. In its place folk want to see an aesthetically pleasing development limited to about 45 dwellings.
To achieve even the possibility of this outcome the community seeks meaningful and ongoing dialogue in partnership with Housing and Council. Folk see this as the only way to ensure best practice, good faith and complete transparency. There’s a perception that, at times, these noble ideals may be more ‘aspirational’ than sincere when it comes to governments.
By working proactively we can all win in bringing social housing to Penguin with Housing Tasmania and Council each complying with respective legislations.
But for now there’s much confusion around the facts of this development. For example, the very meaning of the term ‘social housing’. Is it simply short/long term rentals or does it include rent-to-buy, and outright ownership? And what’s the timeline?
Most importantly, to what extent is Housing willingly to alter whatever its real masterplan is to accommodate the voice of the Penguin community? Particularly so in relation to the aesthetics. Things like energy ratings, the use of various colours on external walls, green spaces, a common area maybe with BBQ, seating and a playground, visitor parking and public art.
Penguin welcomes a humane commune to be proud of, one with good design and aesthetics offering equality of opportunity, improved quality of life and economic growth for our community. area maybe with BBQ, seating and a playground, visitor parking and public art.