I am reminded of this thought when I hear the current debate over the placement of affordable housing by the Brisbane Housing Company in some Brisbane suburbs that seem to have been named as ‘boutique’ almost overnight -  in particular their most recent development in Kelvin Grove and the proposed development in Mitchelton. The Courier Mail article about the dilemma called ‘Pulling up the welcome mat’ quotes ‘angry’ local residents as saying …. “the proposed residential development would not fit in with the “boutique” feel of the local shopping strip in Blackwood St”.  What makes an area boutique?  I would suggest that it is a mix of tastes, styles and cultures carefully blended and developed to create a unique culture.  To contemplate areas of any city that need to be isolated to house a particular class of citizen is a horrifying thought.  This is how ghettos are created. Wild suggestions that tenants in accommodation supplied by the Brisbane Housing Company “are all going to be drug addicts and unemployed” – in my opinion, demonstrates an ignorance and intolerance that leads to prejudice. A close look at the work carried out by the Brisbane Housing Company will dispel any fears and should impress with past developments in the CBD, Paddington, West End, Alderley and Camp Hill.  I say – give them a go.  Who knows it might even create a ‘real boutique’ feel in the area! 

Kevin Turner