The number of people sleeping rough in Byron Shire has fallen but the Shire still has the second-highest level of rough sleepers in NSW, according to the State Government's 2026 Street Count.
A total of 245 people were counted sleeping rough across the Shire which is down from 291 in 2025 but second only to the City of Sydney.
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said any reduction in numbers was good news and reflected the NSW Government's investment in assertive outreach services in Byron Shire over the past two years.
"I'm optimistic, but cautious," Mayor Ndiaye said.
"Having specialist outreach workers on the ground alongside Council's Public Space Liaison Officers is making a real difference, building trust with people sleeping rough and helping connect them to support and pathways out of homelessness.
"This work is being strengthened by the local Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, supported by Council, which brings partners together around shared priorities to drive a coordinated, system-wide response addressing the root causes of homelessness," she said.
However, the Mayor said the lack of housing options continued to limit progress.
Social housing makes up just 1.8 per cent of total housing stock in Byron Shire, less than half the state and national average of around 4 per cent, and there is currently no public housing in the Shire.
The Mayor said addressing homelessness requires a coordinated, long-term approach.
"Responding to homelessness is not just about crisis support. It requires a system-wide response focused on long-term housing outcomes," she said.
"Through initiatives like assertive outreach and the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration, we are seeing the benefits of working together.
"The reality is we have a dire shortage of crisis, temporary, social, and affordable housing. Without appropriate short and long-term housing pathways, even the most effective efforts are constrained, which is incredibly frustrating."
Mayor Ndiaye also highlighted the vital role that temporary housing pods have played in supporting vulnerable people in our community. "Without them, our displaced locals would likely add to the homeless count.
"Council is very grateful for this practical short-term response while continuing to advocate for the long-term public and social housing investment our Shire urgently needs," she said
The Backbone Team supporting the Collaboration, based at Council, is jointly funded by Byron Shire Council and generous donors.
About the 2026 Street Count
Street counts were conducted across NSW between 23 February and 19 March 2026.
2,308 people were counted sleeping rough across NSW which is a 5 percent increase (116 people) from 2025.
City of Sydney recorded the highest number (296 people, down from 346 in 2025).
Byron Shire recorded the second highest number (245 people, down from 291 in 2025).
