Member for Light Tony Piccolo is speaking out on behalf of residents, concerned about the potential long-term closure of the Gawler Housing SA office. PHOTO: Supplied
LOCAL residents are concerned the temporary closure of the Gawler Housing SA office could become permanent.
Located on Seventh Street in Gawler South, the Housing SA Gawler office is a service for vulnerable members of the community to seek help for various issues relating to housing.
However, the office has been closed since March 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, having also previously been shut down over Christmas in relation to bushfires.
Member for Light Tony Piccolo said some locals were worried the government had taken the opportunity to quietly close the service permanently.
He said such a move would spell bad news for those living with a disability who are unable to fully access public transport or use computers, and would be left with few options when looking to seek assistance from the nearest Housing SA office.
“It has been typical of this government to ignore the needs of our most vulnerable members of the community, so hearing about the alleged move to shut down Gawler’s Housing SA office has left me upset and angry,” Mr Piccolo said.
“To leave these people without a local office, and without giving so much as a hint of prior warning, would be simply inexcusable.”
On Monday, SA Housing Authority chief executive Michael Buchan said the Gawler office closures have been necessary so as staff could assist at the Adelaide Hills Emergency Relief and Recovery Centres, and more recently the COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Recovery Centre.
“During these closures, customers have been able to access services over the phone, online or in person at the Elizabeth office, and no customer service issues have been recorded,” the spokesperson said.
“Housing SA remains committed to providing services to the Gawler community.
“We are currently looking at ways to improve how customers can access front-counter services.
“Customers anywhere can always access services over the phone on 131 299 or online at sa.gov.au/housing.”
The next nearest Housing SA offices are at Elizabeth and Salisbury, 15km and 22km from the local Gawler office respectively.
