News

Lake Macquarie’s Pioneering Initiative to Address Hoarding and Squalor Goes National

today31 July 2024

Background

Lake Macquarie City Council’s innovative approach to tackling hoarding and squalor cases, blending decisive action with compassion, is set to be implemented in local government areas (LGAs) across Australia. This comes after Lake Macquarie City Council received numerous inquiries from over 50 councils nationwide following the council’s recognition with a prestigious National Environmental Health Australia award in May at the International Federation of Environmental Health Congress.

Derek Poulton, Manager of Environmental Regulation and Compliance, highlighted a significant rise in hoarding and squalor cases during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a trend that has persisted post-lockdown. “We’ve seen a 55 per cent increase in cases since 2020, with more than 20 cases being managed at any given time,” he said. “This trend is not exclusive to Lake Macquarie.”

Traditionally, councils and authorities have adhered to a stringent regulatory approach, focusing on enforcing legal obligations. However, Poulton noted that this method, often involving removal orders and penalties, rarely addressed the underlying issues effectively. “We recognised the need for a more compassionate and effective approach, balancing the welfare of those living in these conditions with community impact and regulatory obligations,” he explained.

The new framework introduced by Lake Macquarie City Council evaluates not only the physical state of properties but also the residents’ willingness and ability to seek assistance. “Our focus has shifted towards creating pathways for individuals to find long-term solutions with the help of health professionals, psychological services, and community organisations like Samaritans and the Salvation Army, rather than merely imposing fines and warnings,” Poulton added. “This marks a significant advancement in addressing a complex and challenging social, environmental, and public health issue, benefiting both the affected individuals and the wider community.”

Mayor Kay Fraser emphasised that the framework was developed in consultation with various organisations, including the Mental Health Hotline, Catholic Care, the NSW Government’s Family and Community Services, NSW Police, and NSW Fire and Rescue. “This framework empowers our Environmental Health Officers to assist the community in improving health and wellbeing for individuals, their families, and the broader community,” she said. “The fact that many other councils across Australia are now ready to adopt this approach underscores its effectiveness here in Lake Macquarie.”

Professor Melissa Norberg, a hoarding expert from Macquarie University, described hoarding disorder as a complex and often under-recognised mental illness that tends to worsen with age. It affects approximately 2.5 per cent of the adult population and seven per cent of older adults. “The exact causes of hoarding are not fully understood, but it appears to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors,” Professor Norberg stated. She also noted that managing hoarding disorder often requires a collaborative effort involving psychologists, support groups, occupational therapists, professional organisers, cleaners, housing authorities, and legal professionals.

Hoarding disorder is characterised by difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in clutter that can render parts of a home unusable. Squalor, on the other hand, refers to living conditions that are unhygienic due to neglect or the accumulation of waste, posing health and safety risks.

“Each case is unique, and as such, it’s unlikely that any two cases will be treated in the same way,” Poulton said. “However, this framework helps us work towards positive outcomes for everyone involved.”

Written by: Newy Staff


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