Legislative Council, Thursday 24 November 2022

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to a property at 3 Pergola Crescent in Wynyard, which I understand is a property available for public housing and that it has been vacant for some time. Further in light of the severe shortage of public and social housing in Wynyard:

1. How long has this property been vacant;

2. Why has this property not been re-tenanted; and

3. As the property appears to be left unattended with unmown lawns (until yesterday when the lawns were mowed - after I sent the question through) does this create a risk to the property and a public indication that the house is empty and susceptible to use by others without support and appropriate lease arrangements in place to protect the property?

My spies are on the ground.

Answers:

Thank you, Mr President and I thank the member for her question. If that is the case, you must feel very proud that you have such influence.

Ms Forrest - I do.

Mrs HISCUTT -

1 The property at 3 Pergola Crescent, Wynyard was voluntarily vacated on the 5 July 2022 and has not been tenanted since.

2 Upon the termination of the tenancy, the property was assessed in accordance with standard asset management protocols and determined that given the age of the property, condition, limited suitability for a range of clients, and more importantly its favourable redevelopment potential, the property has been scheduled for demolition.

3 The planning process required to undertake the demolition has commenced with Housing Tasmania’s consultant Pitt & Sherry.

While planning approval is being sought, this property has been added to a routine maintenance schedule for landscaping and will be monitored to ensure the property is not subject to vandalism and unauthorised entry.

Ms Forrest - Good to see the lawns were mowed anyway