btw the smh and age have had some interesting articles on houses which survived. One highligted was a house which had a lot of concrete render applied and used to seal any gaps so embers couldn’t enter. Also extra thick glass that would be less likely to break (although metal shutters would probably be better) combined with some clearing around the house appears to have helped.

The question is about how to house, for a relatively short time, a relatively large number of middle-class instantly-homeless people, generally without complex needs (ie. alcoholism, mental health, histories of violence, poverty, abuse). Outside meeting the immediate Army-tent needs, this isn’t a need for which any Government anywhere in the world plans.

I would hope that they do plan for situations like this. Its the situation that occurs when natural disasters occur – be it fire, flood, cyclones etc.

It is, however, precisely the reason the insurance industry exists. C’mon, let’s see those payouts.

Given that they’re estimating around 25% of the residents are uninsured there is still going to be a problem even if the insurance industry can react fast enough. And as was reported last night, the insurance assessors aren’t even allowed into many of the affected areas yet.

One thing that did come out of Lateline was that around 40% of the insurance premium in Victoria is taxes for the fire services and those who don’t pay for insurance avoid paying the fire levies. Perhaps it should be an unavoidable part of the council rates instead. That way everyone pays and there is less disincentive to go uninsured.

Some interesting stuff on that very subject over at Troppo. If the CFA can be considered part of government.
http://clubtroppo.com.au/2009/02/13/copyright-exclusive-ownership-web-20-and-fighting-bushfires/#comments

I think the criticism that the State authorities weren’t using the web very well is a valid one. As Marie pointed out, a mobile number only doesn’t really cut it in this day and age.

I’m sure there will be others who would need the DHS resources for as long as they need to get back on their feet – at the same time, how about those who do not want the nanny state to tell them what to do, when to do it etc. and those who do not need nor want their caseworker anymore.

The site wouldn’t exist if the DHS and other machineries of government were supplying the obvious demand but there doesn’t seem to be enough resources in the public sector to meet it in a timely or efficient way. Maybe they need to hire web-savvy people in addition to those who still think an 8am-8pm phone hotline is the only way to offer accommodation.

At the same time, I think the site is probably negotiating with other NGOs (if not with govt already) as per their privacy policy; it is at least good publicity for the ad agency (TNSTAAFL):

“Guest’s and Host’s personal information may be made available to non-profit charitable organisations and relief agencies in the future, if they are able to offer superior services. In the event of this occurrence, we will provide advance warning to all registered users, and an option to remove personal information prior to transfer of your data.”

http://bushfirehousing.org/privacy/

I had misgivings about the bushfire housing exchange site too, thought I don’t doubt it’s all entirely wellmeaning. Doubts were strongly exacerbated from browsing it and seeing too many offers with difficult strings attached, eg a holiday house in a Central Highlands hamlet where takers would have to vacate for the last two weeks in March – presumably so the owners can take their planned holiday in it? DHS would weed out that sort of totally unsuitable Indian giving, as well as overheroic and unrealistic offers, among other things

Our little North Carlton compound can’t take any more than that, I’m afraid!

The ABC blog had a similar page where people were posting offers of accommodation as well. There was no central coordination, I daresay the DHS doesn’t have the resources (and again the nous) to gather this information and put it in a central database. The best way is someone from DHS to ask the bushfirehousing.org and takeover their database and support it. They now have the advantage of having over 1000 listings/offers and they have provided links especially with regards to Temporary Agreements. That shows some foresight on the site creators and for that I give them my wholehearted support.

And why only a telephone number if you want to provide accommodation? How about an email address or form? Geez, what decade are we in?

As with any govt dept, the DHS would have had bureaucratic jumps to reach the innovation bushfirehousing is operating under. I’m also sure there is an issue of control as well of keeping track of people offering/using the accommodation. Not sure how much I want Big Brother looking over my shoulder as an offerer.

I’m disappointed the govt would take a heavy handed approach – but really if someone can offer their holiday home (in Vic or interstate), offer a caravan to take to their burnt out property – surely that’s better than the limited choices currently on govt offer: living in some dingy Department of Housing villa or some military tent encampment for the short-mid term future.

Sure, times of crisis bring the very worst in people but at the same time it brings out the best in people – kindness of strangers etc. The bushfires in Victoria has affected Australians everywhere and the DHS jurisdiction is limited. The offers on the BH site are from everywhere in Australia now.

Re: the comment of ‘affiliation’ with Volunteering Australia – the site is pretty easy to read (UNCLUTTERED) and they have the numbers of the main NGOs helping out. Sure having an ad agency sponsoring the site is a bit sinister so how about the govt actually support and sponsor the site. But then again some bureaucrat would hate giving legitimacy to a grassroots movement because this is what it is.

I’m sorry if I sound harsh but govt depts have limitations and this is one instance of that. Like many I feel helpless watching you Mexicans suffer through this time, but I’m pretty sure like many who have offered on that site if we could just make a positive difference to one victim of the bushfire, that would make us feel less helpless (and yes I’ve donated money and clothes to all sorts of various organisations but I doubt the disbursement will be happening anytime soon and taking into account what percentage the administration costs will eat it into it…)

Thanks for reading.

Helen’s initial imperative was right.