Spring Hill is being used as a "Supported Housing" hub, but where is the support?
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I am a local living near Punthill on Astor Terrace. I’m writing this because I’m genuinely concerned about the rapid, unmanaged transformation of our neighborhood into a high-needs housing zone without the necessary infrastructure to back it up.
In the last week, we’ve seen: A fatality on Wickham Terrace last Saturday involving a young man falling from a balcony during a police operation.
Widespread volatility on the streets, including car smashings and the city-wide carjacking spree today that ended with the arrest of a 35-year-old man who lives right here in Spring Hil
Mental health crises in public. We are seeing a constant increase in people in clear distress screaming in the streets or acting out, which suggests they aren't getting the clinical "wrap-around" care they were
I understand the need for social housing and rehoming programs. Everyone deserves a roof. But what we are seeing in Spring Hill feels like a "dumping" strategy. The government is placing people with complex needs parolees, high-needs NDIS, and mental health transitions into commercial buildings like Punthill or repurposed hotels, but then leaving them and the community to fend for themselves.
Buildings are being used for "Spot Purchases" by the Department of Housing, but without 24/7 onsite clinical support, the results are becoming dangerous. Today’s mayhem proved that this isn't just a "neighborhood nuisance"—it’s a public safety failure.
Has anyone else noticed a lack of transparency from the Department of Housing or local providers? We need to push for actual support services, not just more beds in a crisis zone. Is it going to take more violence before they admit that housing people without 24/7 support is a disaster?