Ballina Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Homelessness Support Strategy, which sets out key focus areas and practical steps to guide Council's response to homelessness and rough sleeping in the shire.
The draft Strategy focuses on advocacy, stronger partnerships and referral pathways, improved internal processes, and the respectful management of public spaces, while maintaining a compassionate approach to people experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness is complex and often invisible. While rough sleeping is the most visible form, it can also include people couch surfing, staying in temporary accommodation or living without secure and stable housing.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the strategy recognises that homelessness is a shared community challenge requiring a coordinated response.
"Homelessness can affect people for many different reasons, and there is no single solution," Cr Cadwallader said.
"While Council is not a housing or direct homelessness service provider, we have an important role to play through advocacy, coordination and supporting strong local partnerships."
"Meaningful change requires all levels of government, support services, community organisations and local stakeholders working together."
"Council will continue to advocate for more social and affordable housing and the support services our community needs," she said.
The draft strategy identifies four priority areas: advocacy and influence; coordination and partnerships; respectful and inclusive public spaces; and information and access to support.
The strategy is underpinned by a respectful and compassionate approach. Being homeless is not an offence, and homelessness should not be equated with crime or anti-social behaviour. In line with the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, people experiencing homelessness have the same rights to access public places as other community members.
Council's response considers each situation and the individual circumstances involved, prioritising respectful engagement and connection to support, while balancing public health, safety, access, environmental impacts and community amenity.
The community is invited to review the draft Homelessness Support Strategy and provide feedback by Monday 5 October 2026 at www.yoursayballina.com.au
For further information about Council's approach to homelessness and local support resources, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/homelessness-support
