The state government has unveiled a suite of initiatives to address homelessness in a Sunshine Coast town.
The measures, revealed on Monday, are set to provide immediate support and long-term options for vulnerable people.
They include social homes, expanded outreach services and temporary accommodation.
The action comes after local businesses and residents expressed concerns about safety and homelessness in the town, which led to a pledge from officials and an appeal for solutions from the Sunshine Coast mayor.
The government detailed the new measures, including: $1 million for local specialist provider IFYS to boost homelessness outreach and mobile support services; eight social homes delivered in partnership with community housing provider Coast2Bay; and a crisis and transitional housing development delivering 20 places of temporary supported accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness at an acquired, well-located site.
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The government also stated that it is advancing negotiations with the Sunshine Coast Council to secure a site for a potential future supportive housing development, providing longer-term housing with built-in supports such as tenancy sustainment, mental health services and other wraparound supports.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said authorities were committed to working together on a tailored, localised response to homelessness in the town.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and these new local solutions will help provide immediate support for people doing it tough while delivering more housing for the most vulnerable members of the Nambour community,” he said.
“By strengthening frontline services, delivering housing with support built in and starting work on more social and community housing, we’re creating a pathway for people to rebuild their lives after a decade where housing supply didn’t keep up with demand.”
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the outcomes reflected strong community advocacy and a need for action.
“Addressing housing and homelessness has been a key priority for me along with community safety and we are delivering real tangible solutions that will make a meaningful difference,” he said.
“Our community has been calling for more support and more housing, and we are responding with practical measures to help people move out of homelessness and into safe, stable accommodation.
“These investments will expand local support services, deliver new homes and help restore a sense of safety and wellbeing across the Nambour community.”
Mayor Natoli welcomed the partnership between levels of government and community organisations.
“Addressing homelessness requires collaboration across all levels of government and the community,” she said.
“The homelessness forum we convened last year was an important step in bringing partners together, and these investments show what can be achieved when we work together on practical solutions.”
“I’d like to thank Minister O’Connor for engaging with us and listening to our community’s concerns on this urgent issue.”
Coast2Bay Housing Group CEO Andrew Elvin said the eight social homes will help meet growing demand for affordable housing.
“This development is a special project for Coast2Bay Housing: our journey as a community housing provider began here in the heart of Nambour,” he said.
“Everyone deserves a safe and secure home, but to make that a reality we need more homes and we need local solutions, which is exactly what this project delivers.
“We are proud to partner with the state government and local builder Rejuvenate Group Pty Ltd to deliver these eight new units for 12 individuals in Nambour.”
