There is no argument that the HOMELESSNESScrisis is palpable and neither should there be any argument that in Australia, and in the economies that Australia aligns itself with, by-and-large 'governance' at every level is culpable.
Tasmania and Launceston are fractions that represent the whole. Across the board 'housing' is investment driven and governance consistently protects investors interests. Typically, when 'governance' acts there are elements of what they do that pays close attention the 'fiscal investment' they and HOMEseekers are making short and long term. If 'social wellbeing' is ever included in the rhetoric it is at the periphery of the discourse.
With every initiative 'government' makes, particularly to assist 'first home buyers/investors' the outcome is that property prices rise and developers/investors see their wealth grow. The AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE'S Richard Denniss tells anyone who will listen that Australia has enough houses it is just the case that too many belong to investors – Link.
Consider this, the elected representatives in 'government' and the functionaries they appoint, speculatively, hold a large number of 'investment houses'. Thus two questions hang looking for answers:
- Should they be framing housing legislation without declaring a conflict of interest?
- Moreover, if they were to declare their interest, who would be left to draft and initiate policies and strategies that might alleviate housing stress?
RANDOM HOUSING LINKS
HOMELESS A LIFESTYLE CHOICE
NB ... There has been a lot of comments on the last post we put up and we apologise for not been able to respond. There have been some great ideas and options put forward and we thank those who have an interest in working towards a better community for all.
We understand that safety and hygiene should be paramount for the health and well being of all of our community members. Issues that come with being homeless and sleeping rough are the following:
• ... no amenities available in close proximity of sleeping rough. Imagine having the need to go to the toilet urgently and having no option but to go inside your tent or perhaps making it in time to the first tree? Imagine having cancer or other medical issues suffering on the streets?
When I first began out reaching around Launceston 9 years ago I never forgot some of the scenes I would come across.
• ... One was a wrought iron chair which had a white hospital sheet with blood all over it and large gauze pads lying around situated around the side of a church building. Looking around to try and find obviously someone who had recently been discharged from hospital. With no sight of anyone I felt saddened by seeing this and I really hoped they were OK? One's who sleep directly on the concrete end up with sore bodies, been harassed by the general public and having no sleep.
No matter if one has addictions, illnesses, poor mental health or have just been let out of prison with no where to go but living rough right here in Launceston. Everyone deserves to have their basic human rights met.
• ... Some cannot even fathom making life changing decisions for themselves because they are having to focus on just surviving with abysmal untreated mental health conditions.
Lately with the shelters and safe space all full the numbers are only continuing to climb. We have ones bawling their eyes out, scared, frustrated and no where to go where they can feel safe to lay their head at night.
• ... We commend the other services and the local and State government for trying their best with providing as many roofs as possible. With more options been approved to be built but this takes time. Meanwhile the problem with not having enough transitional options available our tent city's are only going to increase.
• ... Mention of affordability what does that look like? During Covid many hotels, motels and campgrounds gave affordable weekly rates to many of our homeless community members who were doing so well with having this made available. These community members helped keep hotels, motels and camp grounds in business during covid. Once everything opened back up our homeless community members were shifted out back onto the streets as tourists took priority.
• ... Many times we have put forward why could we not trial managed spaces. Where perhaps the services could be on a rotation roster to manage the site/s. Places where it is fenced, amenities provided, rules in place, rubbish bins and have those in that space on a roster to help with the upkeep. A place that is safe and secure for ones to be able to have decent sleeps.This would be a start to help with one's mental health. How do you feel if you have not had enough sleep?
Many judgements are made regularly on many local pages with ones cracking jokes and thinking it's fun to have to put down our homeless community members.
• ... How would you like to not have four walls or a door to lock to not be able to express yourself and have your privacy? Instead been constantly harrased, defamed publicly and with little sleep, would you be happy? Assaulted, robbed, tents slashed or burnt down, would this make you happy? Been told to pack up and move along for just trying to survive? Having addictions because that is what comes with homeless for some to cope. How many of you know of one's who have addictions behind four walls in the privacy and comfort of their own home?
Fifty thousand dollars was spent on a Launceston City Council homelessness statement of commitment which you can click on the link below
• ... We feel that more could be done and having a trial of some managed spaces outdoors could eliminate issues that are constantly been discussed but no actions to remedy. Winter is upon us and we require as a community to be able to give more dignity to our less fortunate community members.
• ... Provide them with sanitary toilets within the camp spaces, rubbish bins, showers, basic kitchenette or cooking facilities, undercover, lights, a space where all services can work together to provide all the supports one needs. Set up to be drug and alcohol free spaces. A small fee charged to cover the basic running costs such as gas bottle refills, toilet paper, cleaning products, security etc. A place where items are given and looked after. A place where ones can engage in activities during the day or perhaps making items and set up a Homeless market where they have the opportunities to sell their talent.
• ... How much is it currently costing our rate and tax payers to be paying for the services provided currently for those who are homeless? The police time with dealing with moving ones along, the incidences of crime that ones are exposed to, the council having to clean up after they have been moved along with ones not having enough time or capability to move everything, the constant handing out of tents, sleeping bags, blankets, clothing etc with not having enough cover especially in the winter and wet periods everything gets drenched through.
That means so much waste has to be dumped into our environment and at a cost. This is so frustrating for everyone. www.strikeitout.com
ENDNOTE: Outside looking Stikeitout has been frustrated in its efforts to address issues to do with HOUSINGstress and 'governance' has only ever offered 'stumble stones' and that includes individuals, Govt. Depts, and Launceston's Council in Stikeitout's case. To name the individuals, and call out what they have to offer in private conversations would no doubt lead to litigation. That said, dredge the press and there is more than enough to be found to give veracity to the assertion that governance has sat on its hands and by-and-large continues so to do. The peristant cry is this or that situation does not fall within our baliwick.
Forced to move on by council and police, a homeless man asks 'where can we go?'
EXAMINER: By Owen Sinclair April 14 2026 - 4:00pm
A group of homeless people told to move on from a public reserve have claimed they were left with nowhere to go.
On Friday, April 10, Tasmania Police officers told about five people sleeping rough in Brickfields Reserve to move on, following 'regular discussions' between City of Launceston council and police over the matter.
One homeless man who did not wish to be identified claimed 12 police officers arrived on Friday afternoon and told him and others in the reserve to pack up and clear out by that night.
Homeless camp at Brickfields Reserve. Picture by Craig George
"They told us to move on, in the rain. We've got nowhere to go, don't know where to go," he said.
"They (the police) came out of nowhere, 12 of them.
"They said, sorry, the council told us to move you on by today'."
The man questioned how it would be possible for the group to pack up in time.
Runner and ambassador for people experiencing homelessness.
"How can we move on (quickly), when we've got all this stuff we have to pack up?'"
It is understood police provided assistance in moving on some people engaged in anti-social behaviour.
In a post to his personal Facebook account, Mayor Matthew Garwood said there had been reports of illicit substance use and anti-social behaviour.
Tasmania Police did not answer whether it had received any reports about illicit substance use or anti-social behaviour at Brickfields. They confirmed seven police attended the job, rather than the claimed 12.
Inspector Aleena Crack said the City of Launceston has been involved in regular discussions with Tasmania Police regarding the matter.
"Tasmania Police provided assistance in moving on some persons engaged in anti-social behaviour," Inspector Crack said.
The homeless man denied anybody at the camp was disturbing the peace, but said there had been "debates".
"Everywhere where we've been - we've been kicked out around the town areas, and now we're being kicked out of here," he said.
"If we stay here, we're going to get done for trespassing."
The council was contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline.
Mr Garwood said parks like Brickfields were not designed or safe for people to camp in long-term.
"Move on directions are not where things start, they are used as a last resort," he wrote.
"It's also important to be factual about Council's role. We don't control housing and we can't open privately owned buildings or place people into homes. What we can do is work on increasing supply and supporting the right providers."
Mayor Matthew Garwood. Picture by Craig George
Brickfields is one of a number of public spaces in Launceston where homeless people have stayed.
Kings Wharf, in Invermay, was previously a well-established camp for the homeless until last year, when campers were served eviction notices.
It comes as charities like City Mission report all-time high demand for homelessness services.
City Mission's most ambitious project in its history is set to break ground next month, unlocking 48 affordable and social housing units, a health clinic and charity offices.
An artist's impression of City Mission's proposed
social housing precinct in Launceston,
viewed from Frederick Street. Picture supplied
The charity runs a 24-hour shelter called Safe Space, which houses up to 33 people experiencing homelessness a night.
In 2024-25, the shelter accommodated 283 people.
City Mission's Operations Manager Emergency Relief & Housing Stephen Hill said demand for crisis accommodation is at an all-time high.
"At the moment our crisis accommodation services are full and have been for a while," Mr Hill said.
"People are encouraged to stay in touch daily so if there is a way we can help them, we can."
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