Byron Shire leaders Mayor Michael Lyon and MP Tamara Smith call for government funding towards homelessness

The NSW Government has provided $1.3 million in funding towards helping people experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire, but local leaders say it’s not enough.

Byron Shire leaders call for ongoing government funding to support people experiencing homelessness.

The NSW Government has provided $1.3 million towards helping people experiencing homelessness in the Byron Shire, but local MP Tamara Smith and Mayor Michael Lyon say this won’t be enough and ongoing funding is desperately needed.

The funding was recently announced for an Assertive Outreach team to help people across the Byron Shire.

Homes NSW has partnered with Social Futures and Momentum Collective to form the team which will deliver intensive case management and outreach patrols to decrease homelessness.

It comes as 2024 Street Count data highlights the homelessness crisis across the region, which saw a 16 per cent increase in people sleeping rough.

The data revealed there was 348 people sleeping rough in the Byron Shire, an increase from last year which recorded 300 people experiencing homelessness.

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said the street count data was “heartbreaking” and the program would help rough sleepers “get back on their feet”.

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said the street count data is “heartbreaking”. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Homelessness should never become a repetitive cycle,” she said. “We know we need to do more to start turning that number around and getting people into homes.”

The Assertive Outreach model team will be trialled and funded for one year.

Greens MP Tamara Smith said the government needed to commit to “reoccurring funding” for the Byron Shire’s frontline support services and other not-for-profit organisations doing the “heavy lifting”.

Ballina MP Tamara Smith is calling for ongoing government funding for Byron Shire’s rough sleepers. Picture: Suze McLeod

“This program alone is nowhere near enough in terms of what we need to make a difference for people’s lives who are rough sleeping,” she said.

“The Assertive Outreach team need five years of funding so they can extend their services and secure highly experienced staff.”

Ms Smith said more affordable housing was needed and she was working with the Minister for Planning, the council and community housing providers to make it possible.

In response to the Street Count data, Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said he was “guttered” and “beyond devastated”.

Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said he was “guttered” and “beyond devastated” about the 2024 Byron Shire Street Count. Picture: Duncan Evans

“The funding for homelessness services and vital social housing is relatively high in Sydney, while local funding is shockingly inadequate to meet our needs,” he said.

Mr Lyon said while he was pleased to see funding for the Byron Shire Assertive Outreach program, it was not going to be “anywhere near enough” to help people sleeping rough.

“Especially when it is not accompanied by housing pathways,” he said.

More housing pathways are needed in the Byron Shire, Mr Lyon said. Picture: iStock.

“We need a five-year funding commitment, just the same as was announced by the NSW Government for other services. We clearly have the most need and the regional inequity is beyond comprehension.

“We also need adequate housing, including social housing, to support people to exit homelessness.

“Without these essential pieces of the puzzle, we’re all working with our hands tied behind our backs.”