‘A tragedy for the whole nation’: Tragic photo reveals the scale of the problem gripping the CBD

This photograph shows the tragic reality of the growing problem of homelessness gripping our CBD.

A small camping tent erected on Rundle Street in Adelaide on the weekend highlighted the growing problem of homelessness on city streets.

The tent was situated between Hungry Jacks and the UPark Rundle car park entrance in the city’s East End.

Its owner-occupant did not appear to be present when The Advertiser attended the scene on two occasions.

A staff member at the adjacent OTR shop said the tent had only been there for a day, and that police had stopped and looked inside on Sunday, but there was no occupant at the time.

Tent on Rundle St in Adelaide, Sunday, September 10, 2023. Picture: Matt Loxton

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax Smith said the appearance of temporary shelters indicated the extent of what has become a nationwide problem. Picture: Matt Loxton

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the appearance of such temporary shelters on a city street indicated the extent of what has become a nationwide problem.

“Everyone knows that there is a housing crisis,’ Dr Lomax-Smith said.

“Clearly it’s a situation where those with more money are taking up more accommodation, more easily.

“It’s a tragedy for the whole nation, and we’re not alone in having this problem in Adelaide.”

Dr Lomax-Smith said that the Adelaide City Council wanted people to be housed safely and securely.

“We would want people to be in permanent accommodation and be safe – and being on the street is neither of those things.”

To that end, the council had supported the Adelaide Zero Project with funding, and the development of housing for people who were previously homeless, Dr Lomax-Smith said.

“We do get involved in this area of activity when a lot of local governments don’t, and we will continue to do that because we recognise we all have a part to play in solving this appalling problem for our whole community.”