Key government stakeholders have pledged urgent action on a growing homelessness crisis in a Sunshine Coast town, following a local forum that focused on immediate and long-term solutions.
The Nambour Homelessness Response Forum, held on Tuesday afternoon, came after Sunshine Coast Council hosted Housing Minister Sam O’Connor in Nambour last week, giving him a firsthand look at the challenges facing the community.
The meeting focused on identifying how government organisations could work in partnership to help those experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough in public spaces.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Nambour community needed action.
“We know there’s been an increase in homelessness in Nambour and it’s a really serious issue for the community,” she said.
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She said the council and the state government had committed to urgently identify alternative safe locations for those experiencing homelessness where wrap-around services could also provide support.
“We understand there are many individuals experiencing complex situations,” she said.
“Council is listening to the Nambour community, the housing and homelessness sector, and people with lived experience of homelessness to put forward immediate, as well as medium and long-term solutions.
“(The) forum is another positive step forward and we’ve committed to meeting again to continue the discussions and progress a range of solutions.”
Minister O’Connor said the meeting set out clear actions to address the homelessness crisis and restore community safety in Nambour.
“We’re ramping up our outreach efforts in Nambour by doubling our mobile engagement team visits on the ground,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast needs housing with support built in to address the complex needs many people experiencing homelessness have.”
State Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said restoring community safety was his top priority.
“Local residents and businesses in Nambour deserve to feel safe in our parks and on our streets and that means we must tackle the root causes of homelessness as well as its impacts,” he said.
“By working together across all levels of government and with local service providers, we can deliver the support people need in the short and long term to address this situation.”
Mayor Natoli said the council will establish a working group with local community organisations, support services and people with lived experience to test ideas and co-design possible solutions.
Local councillor David Law echoed the urgency of the issue.
“I am encouraged with the commitment of all levels of government to find solutions in collaboration with our community,” he said.
“Together we are all working to return our parks back to their intended use and provide alternate solutions for those experiencing homelessness and sleeping rough in public spaces.
