A Homes Tasmania property in Devonport has been extensively damaged, but not by its former tenant, leaving the local community outraged.
The vandalism comes at a time when over 4,700 Tasmanians are waiting for public housing, with 99% of available properties currently occupied.
Images shared to social media showed holes in almost every door and wall, smashed glass, rubbish covering the floors and cupboards turned inside out.
“Then there’s people like myself, partner and my four month old who has been waiting for a two bedroom unit… So sad to see this happen,” one local said after seeing the damage.
Homes Tasmania is investigating the incident, which is estimated to further delay the availability of housing for families in need.
The public housing body has reported 176 instances of properties being damaged by arson in the past six years, with other damage incidents thought to be much higher.
The agency is currently exploring options to recover repair costs associated with vandalism and said the tenant who was residing in the property is not believed to be responsible for the vandalism and was in the process of moving out.
Tasmania Police are aware of the Devonport incident and are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to identifying the culprits.
Homes Tasmania manages a portfolio of roughly 13,000 properties, providing accommodation to various groups, including social housing tenants, Aboriginal housing organisations and supported accommodation providers.
