Alice Springs In The Dark On Demountables Plan

Opposition Leader, Jodeen Carney, has called on Clare Martin to let the people of Alice Springs know what is happening with the demountables that have arrived in the town which were intended to deal with problem of town camps.

Ms Carney said there has been no consultation with the local community, or residents near any of the proposed sites.

"Will residents be involved, or will Clare Martin just put the demountables anywhere and disregard the wishes of Alice Springs residents?”

"A few months ago, Clare Martin held a joint media conference with the Federal Indigenous Affairs Minster, Mal Brough, announcing that she would contribute significant funding towards addressing problems in town camps, and that short-term accommodation would be arranged. This involved the delivery of demountables from the Federal Government”, she said.

"The demountables have arrived; a short list of proposed sites exists, and neither Clare Martin or her Housing Minister, Elliot McAdam are taking any responsibility. No one seems to know anything about anything”, Ms Carney said.

"My phone has been ringing hot. Residents in some of the short listed sites are worried that a town camp is going to be set up next to them. They are also concerned that these 'short-term' demountables will become permanent”.

"The Chief Minister needs to let the people of Alice Springs know what's happening. She needs to not only tell them they will be consulted, but also explain how; and she needs to be specific about her plans with the demountables: short and long-term”, Ms Carney said.

2006-08-16