Housing Minister announces critical response team to address Bundaberg homelessness

The Bundaberg region will become the home of a critical response team aimed at getting people off the streets and into accommodation.

Over the past 18 months, several homeless sheltering in areas such as the Lion’s Park report being told to move on by the Bundaberg Council.

Bundaberg will soon welcome a new team to help tackle the region’s homelessness epidemic as part of the state government’s Homes for Queenslanders housing plan.

Homelessness has become more prevalent in the Bundaberg region in recent years, with recent population growth, a tightening rental market and an increase in housing prices contributing to the issue.

Unofficial estimates as far back as mid-2022 put the total number of homeless in the Bundaberg region at between 1800 and 2000, and those numbers are estimated to have grown alongside the recent population boom.

In December 2023, reports indicated Bundaberg’s population grew by 1980, an increase of 0.9 per cent, the majority of which came from inter- or intrastate (1620 people) followed by overseas migrants (370 people).

These numbers have limited the number of rentals available and in mid-2023 it was reported that rental vacancies in Bundaberg were 1.58 per cent.

Rentals being sold after decades on the rental market only added to the shortage as investors took advantage of rising house sale prices.

As support groups and volunteer organisations struggle under the weight of supporting so many, from young families to pensioners unable to afford to buy or re-enter the rental market, calls have gone out to all levels of government to provide support.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced the critical response team. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

In response, the Queensland Government has launched the Homes for Queenslanders long-term housing plan, an initiative that has promised to ease the strain of housing pressures.

As part of the housing plan roll out, Bundaberg will welcome a critical response team that aims to help people experiencing homelessness find a safe place to stay.

The team will be modelled on a Brisbane team, which has reportedly helped more than 450 people into housing.

The critical response team is expected to visit areas known to shelter people experiencing homelessness and offer “rapid support” to help them get off the street and into accommodation.

The Bundaberg team will work with Regional Housing Limited as well as government and non-government organisations alongside housing and homelessness services staff.

Labor Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith welcomed the Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon to Bundaberg on Tuesday when news of the critical response team was announced.

“Having a dedicated team on the ground helping people sleeping rough will make a significant difference,” he said.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith welcomed the announcement of the critical response team.

“When I’ve met with people experiencing homelessness in our community, a number have spoken to me about not knowing where to start when it comes to getting help or having to visit the housing service centre – this removes those barriers.”

Mrs Scanlon said Mr Smith had been vocal about the challenges facing the Bundaberg community, and backed the support the critical response team would bring.

“Tom hasn’t been shy in letting us know that getting more support for people experiencing homelessness has been front of mind for the city, and I’d like to acknowledge his advocacy in this space,” she said.

“Every Queenslander deserves a safe place to live.

“For those who have fallen through the cracks – we’re giving our hardworking homeless organisations more funding, but also rolling out rapid response teams to help people with accommodation, and eventually a permanent place to call home.”

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Bundaberg Housing Service Centre on 5645 8100 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.