Redlands mayor says new policy will help region’s homeless

Redland City Council has adopted a policy aimed at supporting and reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region.

Generic homeless person supplied

Redland City Council has adopted a policy aimed at supporting and reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region.

Mayor Karen Williams said the policy clearly articulated council’s commitment towards improving services to the homeless and its role and approach in responding to homelessness.

While it was difficult to estimate the number of homeless people on Redlands Coast, 247 people were homeless at the last Census in 2016, she said.

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“In recent times, there have been instances of homeless people camping in various council-controlled reserves across the city,” Cr Williams said.

“The policy recognises the complexity of homelessness and the vulnerability of those who are experiencing it while balancing the rights of the public to access and enjoy the use of public space and feel safe.”

Homeless

She said the causes of homelessness were varied and complex and it was often accompanied by other factors such as poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues and disabilities and a lack of social support.

“It is an issue that cannot be resolved quickly but one that needs government and community collaboration.

“Council’s role in responding to homelessness is not well understood and it requires a clear policy position.

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“The position adopted by council is intended to provide a compassionate response to those who are most vulnerable, while at the same time considering the needs of the general community.

“Redlands Coast is a compassionate community that cares for those less fortunate and council is already working with community groups and government agencies to identify areas for improvement and to help coordinate responses to help those impacted.”

Cr Williams said funding for homeless services was the responsibility of the federal and state governments.

We need a photo of 'couch-surfing' to accompany my story on homelessness. Couch-surfing is just homeless people sleeping on friend's couches so just a generic shot of someone (Garth will organise who) sleeping on a couch. They will need to have their face 14 Oct, 2008. We need a photo of 'couch-surfing' to accompany my story on homelessness. Couch-surfing is just homeless people sleeping on friend's couches so just a generic shot of someone (Garth will organise who) sleeping on a couch. They will need to have their face off-camera (maybe just a shot of their back?), as they probably will not want their face featured. (Photo by Danielle Butters)

“The State Government also provides funding for Outreach Access Services to people who are homeless in public spaces and other locations but no service is located or available within Redlands Coast.

“I have written to Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni and have met with him to discuss homelessness across the city.

“Minister de Brenni has been very generous with his time in discussing the issues we have locally and I am confident our new policy will complement the work his department is already doing in this space.

“Homelessness is a complex topic and it takes all levels of government and local service providers working together to respond and I am confident that by working together the state government, Council and the fantastic community organisations we have locally can build on the existing services supporting those in our community facing homelessness.”

Cr Williams said she had also separately met with local support agencies.

“In the absence of a funded outreach service, council officers have been – and will continue – working with community groups and government agencies to build capacity in the service system through a coordinated, multi-agency response to homelessness,” she said.

“This coordinated response will improve communication between services and improve referral pathways and access to the homelessness service system.”