The state government says a fluctuating number of motel rooms are being used for emergency housing on the Sunshine Coast each night.
Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson has called on the powers-that-be to provide more information about the temporary accommodation, as the region grapples with a housing crisis and escalating homelessness.
“Things are pretty dire, with many people in desperate straits,” the LNP member said.
“I have heard that more motels are being used as emergency accommodation, but only the department could answer just how many beds are taken up.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing said that homeless people were temporarily being lodged at traditional holiday and travellers’ sites until more permanent solutions could be found.
But the spokesperson could not say how many rooms they were occupying or how long they were staying for.
“The Queensland Government is committed to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness,” they said.
“The department actively seeks to identify suitable accommodation options, including temporary accommodation in motels, while longer-term, safe and affordable housing is identified.
“The number of (motel) rooms used at any one time is variable depending on demand and the size of individual households.
“Service providers work with accommodation providers that have vacancies and accommodation options which meet the needs of individual households.”
The spokesperson could not say how long homeless people were being sheltered in motels.
“A household’s stay in temporary accommodation is also variable and depends on the individual circumstances of people being supported,” they said.
“People in temporary accommodation are supported by the department and local specialist homelessness services staff to identify a longer-term housing solution that’s right for them.”
Ms Simpson said more information should be available.
“I think the state government needs to advise just how many rooms in short-term accommodation are being used for emergency housing each night on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
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“I support emergency accommodation being available to help people, but there has to be a better pathway to permanent and more stable accommodation as motels aren’t set up to live in and there often is a need for wrap-around care as people can come with complex needs.
“This is a Band-Aid that helps but doesn’t solve the problem.”
The spokesperson detailed some ways the state government was helping homeless people in the region.
“Government agencies, service providers and key stakeholders meet monthly as part of a place-based response team to address homelessness at a local level,” they said.
“There are a range of government-funded supports and assistance in place for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.
“In 2023-24, the department committed almost $11 million to five non-government organisations to deliver 13 specialist homelessness services (SHS) on the Sunshine Coast.
“The department funds SHS to provide an immediate housing response, outreach services and after-hours outreach.
“Based on the successful trial of a critical response team (CRT) in Brisbane, a CRT is also being established to service the Sunshine Coast.
“The team will engage with rough sleepers and with SHS to offer housing assistance, including access to emergency accommodation.
“Households accommodated in emergency accommodation are supported by SHS to explore alternative accommodation options and are assisted with referrals to specialist support services as required.”
It comes amid suggestions that fewer people are using the region’s Sleepbus – a bus for homeless people to sleep in – because they have been accommodated in motels, hotels and resorts.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre CEO and Sleepbus advocate Mark Ellis, and to the Maroochy Chamber of Commerce, for comment.
The Queensland Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan includes $526 million in additional funding for homelessness services across Queensland.
Anyone who needs housing assistance is encouraged to contact the Maroochydore Housing Service Centre on 5352 7333 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.
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