Sunshine Coast leaders are exploring whether a supportive housing model from Brisbane could be adapted for the region, as homelessness surges in at least one town.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt recently visited Common Ground, a South Brisbane accommodation and aid initiative, following an urgent forum in Nambour where rough sleeper numbers have doubled and residents raised safety concerns in public parks.
Accompanied by local councillor David Law, council officers and community representatives, they toured the multi-storey building and met the program’s CEO Sue Pope.
“We went to have a look at this model of supportive housing,” Cr Natoli said.
“It looks like any other kind of accommodation building in the area (but) what’s different is it provides supportive accommodation in a housing-first model. Inside are small one-bedroom apartments. There are also shared spaces and a community garden in the building.
“What makes it different to other accommodation is that on the ground floor is the support mechanism for people who have been experiencing homelessness or who are accessing the affordable accommodation.”
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Cr Natoli said full-time staff managed tenancy aspects and wrap-around services, including mental health, general health and safety, while apartments were offered to people on the state government housing list as they become available.
“We went to Brisbane to look at whether this is something that would be considered by the state government across the Sunshine Coast, not just Nambour,” she said.
“Are there sites where this kind of model could work? Would that be accepted by the community? Where would those wrap-around services be? It was the start of that kind of a conversation. It’s really an interesting and well-rounded model.”
Ms Natoli said something must be done.
“We know that people living along our creek beds and living in tents and on our dunes and our foreshores is not something that we, as a society, accept,” she said.
Cr Law was pleased to see authorities making moves to fix homelessness and safety in Nambour.
“These issues are now receiving the attention necessary to achieve sustainable solutions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Hunt said levels of government were focused on finding solutions to the “homelessness crisis” in Nambour and the Sunshine Coast in general.
“With council, we have committed to urgently explore safe and appropriate alternative locations for people experiencing homelessness, with wrap-around services to provide the support they need,” he said.
State specialist outreach teams have increased visits to Nambour, offering housing and support pathways to rough sleepers.
“While not everyone accepts help straight away, continued engagement is vital,” Mr Hunt said.
He said 52 new social and affordable homes were under construction on the Sunshine Coast, with another 25 contracted for delivery in the Nicklin electorate. Safety is also a priority, with $3 million secured for the Nambour CBD Police Beat and upgraded CCTV.
