A Nambour Homelessness Response Forum has brought together key government stakeholders to urgently address the growing homelessness issue in the community - with a focus on solutions.
The forum, held on Tuesday, August 19, followed Sunshine Coast Council's proactive efforts last week, when Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Division 10 Councillor David Law and Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt invited State Minister for Housing Sam O'Connor to walk through Quota Park.
The visit gave Minister O'Connor a firsthand look at the challenges faced by the local community which led to the critical Nambour Homelessness Response Forum.
The forum focused on identifying how all 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 from governments and agencies, plus options to help resolve the issue.
"We know there's been an increase in homelessness in Nambour and it's a really serious issue for the community," she said.
Mayor Natoli said 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.
"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.
"Today's forum is another positive step forward and we've committed to meeting again to continue the discussions and progress a range of solutions."
Outcomes and next steps
Minister O'Connor said today's meeting set out clear actions for all to take as we work together 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," Minister O'Connor said.
"The Sunshine Coast needs housing with support built in to address the complex needs many people experiencing homelessness have and that's what the Crisafulli Government is committed to delivering for this community."
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," Mr Hunt 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 welcomed the State Government's work in bringing together key agencies.
"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," Mayor Natoli said.
"We appreciate the State's recent increase in local outreach and Minister O'Connor agreed that the delivery of a supportive housing model on the Sunshine Coast was a priority in the future."
Division 10 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," Cr Law 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.
"Thank you to those who have reached out, shared your concerns and offered ideas. We appreciate and acknowledge the impact this is having on the whole community and together we can push for change that is compassionate and effective."
Council's commitments
Sunshine Coast Council remains committed to working with all levels of government and the community to end homelessness.
This includes having dedicated teams present to provide support to people in public spaces and achieving the goals set out in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023.
