Sunshine Coast Council to vote on fee waiver for people in housing crisis

People living in cars, tents or caravans on private property could soon have monetary relief as a Qld council proposes a new measure to combat the nationwide housing crisis on its doorstep.

Sunshine Coast people needing to set up temporary accommodation on private land could have their fees waived.

People living in cars, tents or caravans on private property could soon have monetary relief if Sunshine Coast Council votes in favour of a new proposal.

The council will consider waiving a $514 application fee on compassionate grounds for people wanting to set up temporary accommodation on private property.

The council will also waive the $392 cost to reapply, in a case where more time is needed, if the recommendation is successful when the council votes at its next general meeting.

The proposal came after council officers found the fees were prohibitive to people trying to set up temporary accommodation to help alleviate housing demand on the Sunshine Coast.

A council spokeswoman said the nationwide housing crisis was a complex, multi-faceted and evolving issue.

“Council appreciates the cost of owning or renting a home on the Sunshine Coast has been causing some people to consider moving into temporary accommodation,” she said.

“The reduced fee would apply in circumstances where the applicant is experiencing housing stress, financial hardship, or due to other compassionate reasons.”

Sunshine Coast Homeless Outreach coordinator Wendi Rampton welcomed the move but said people still need to be cautious.

Sunshine Coast Homeless Outreach coordinator Wendi Rampton (right) said the housing crisis had become 'terrible'.

“It could be a game changer for the homeless situation as long as they don’t end up becoming exploited,” she said.

“I think people have a lot of empathy for people who are sleeping in cars and tents but housing them while they are in this traumatic state is not for the faint hearted.

“Everybody needs shelter, it’s just that when people are in that situation and have become traumatised, that you need to be quite cautious.”

Ms Rampton said the demand for their services had become “astronomical”.

“People who have always been able to rent a room now can’t rent a room,” she said.

“It’s devastating, it’s terrible, and I can’t give them any hope that things will change in the immediate future.”

Sunshine Coast Council will vote on the proposal at their meeting next Thursday, February 23, 2023.