Mornington Peninsula Shire has welcomed today's announcement by Victorian Minister for Housing and Building Nick Staikos of new funding and support to help tackle homelessness on the Peninsula.
The announcement from the Minister and Hastings MP Paul Mercurio, includes $2.1 million for a dedicated assertive outreach team, funding two outreach workers on the Peninsula over four years.
At the end of May, about 168 people were sleeping rough on the Peninsula - a 32 per cent increase over the previous six months.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the announcement was a positive step towards addressing the region's growing housing and homelessness challenges.
"Today's announcement is encouraging, but it must be the beginning rather than the end," Cr Batty said.
"We need sustained investment in social and affordable housing, crisis accommodation and support services if we are to genuinely tackle homelessness across the Peninsula,"
"The Mornington Peninsula has one of the highest rates of homelessness in regional Victoria, yet the availability of affordable and social housing has not kept pace with demand,"
"There is more work to do, but this is real progress. We thank the Victorian Government for coming to the table and working towards solutions for our community."
The Shire has made increasing social and affordable housing a key priority in its Shout Out for the Peninsula advocacy campaign ahead of the Victorian State Election.
The Shire has consistently advocated for increased investment in social and affordable housing and homelessness support services as key priorities for the Peninsula.
The announcement comes ahead of the launch of the Shire's advocacy campaign for the upcoming State election in November.
