Lake Macquarie’s Hoarding and Squalor Framework Garners National Attention
Lake Macquarie City Council’s innovative Hoarding and Squalor Framework is gaining national recognition for its compassionate and effective approach to a complex community issue. The framework has been pivotal in the Council winning the Environmental Health Australia National Team Award, a prestigious accolade that underscores the initiative’s success and impact.
Mayor Kay Fraser expressed her pride in a recent Facebook post, highlighting the framework’s achievements and the positive response it has received from other councils across Australia. “I’m so proud of our innovative Hoarding and Squalor Framework, which addresses complex community issues with compassion. The framework led to Council recently winning the Environmental Health Australia National Team Award, and has prompted more than 50 other councils nationwide to get in touch and roll out a similar approach in their LGAs,” she stated.
Developed in response to a significant rise in hoarding and squalor cases, particularly during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, the framework focuses on a balanced approach that combines regulatory action with compassionate support. Derek Poulton, Manager of Environmental Regulation and Compliance, noted a 55% increase in cases since 2020, with more than 20 cases being managed at any given time.
The framework not only assesses the physical state of properties but also considers residents’ willingness and ability to seek assistance. By creating pathways for individuals to access help from health professionals, psychological services, and community organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Council aims to provide long-term solutions rather than merely imposing fines and warnings.
The success of Lake Macquarie’s approach has inspired over 50 councils nationwide to consider implementing similar frameworks in their local government areas, highlighting the widespread need for effective strategies to address hoarding and squalor. This initiative exemplifies how local government can lead with empathy and effectiveness, setting a benchmark for others to follow
