Homelessness in the Wide Bay a growing issue

With an increasingly tight rental vacancy rate and southern migration now in the mix, how much worse have things become since the data was last checked?

An increasing number of Wide Bay locals are finding themselves without a home.

While the most recent Census data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is yet to be released, information from 2017 suggested one in 200 Queenslanders had no place to call home.

With an increasingly tight rental vacancy rate and southern migration now in the mix, how much worse have things become?

We received feedback from locals in the Wide Bay and the situation is sobering.

A large number of parents are finding it harder to find a home, with some camping in tents.

Bundaberg locals cite rising rents and a lack of properties

Wayne Mcgill is one of the new homeless in the region. He’s not on the street, but living in his workshop because he can’t afford to do anything else.

“I’ve been living in my workshop for four years or so now and would love a house again, but prices are way to high,” he said.

For Sheree Jones, the kindness of friends has allowed her to get by.

“Six months now I have been relying on the kindness of friends as I am also in the same boat,” she said.

“All my things locked up in storage while I try and find a place for my kids and I.

“Hardly getting to see them as they spend most of their time at their dads while I am looking for a place to rent.”

Another mum suffering homelessness, Zoe Brooks, says she is heartbroken.

“In the same boat, I hate being homeless,” she said.

“I am so tired and miss having a home for my daughters and I.”

Laura Johnson said her mum, brother and niece were about to “go live in a tent” because her landlord was not approving them to stay with her.

Scott Laverack said he himself feared becoming homeless soon because renovations were being carried out in his home and he wasn’t able to stay.

Some people in the Wide Bay are having to leave their rented homes because owners want to carry out renovations.

Fraser Coast locals having to move hours away just to put a roof over their heads

Susan Flicker said she was homeless for a month before finding a home, but had to move six hours away from the Fraser Coast to get it.

Trish Parsons is living in a cabin in a caravan park with her children.

“I lost count at 80 (applications) over the last year and a bit now living in a one-bedroom cabin with my two kids,” she said.

“I was lucky the caravan park I’m staying at has beautiful owners who couldn’t stand to see me and my two kids move into a tent there.

“My heart goes out to all those in a worse situation than me. This housing crisis is ridiculous.”

Lucinda Briscoerent said she knew people living in cars or on couches.

“Going up way too much and heaps of people moving here, it’s ridiculous,” she said.

“I’ve got friends still looking 12 months later, couch surfing with kids or in their car, it’s not right.”

Couch surfing is becoming increasingly common for those lucky enough to be able to bunk with mates. Photo: Danielle Butters.

Even with jobs, Gympie locals are feeling the squeeze

Brittney Dugdale said it was getting much harder to find an affordable home.

“It's horrifying to see people that have children in their care not have homes and landlords and real estates knocking them back,” she said.

“I have been here for five years and still struggling to find a stable home that’s in my price range, even with a good paying job.”

Martin Essenberg said he got caught up in the whirlwind further south after moving for his job.

“When I went to Brisbane to work I couldn't get a rental because I was a single male and didn’t have a rental history or references,” he said.

“Prices even then were insane. Ended up in a caravan park.”

The NewsMail is campaigning to help our homeless.

Originally published as Homelessness in the Wide Bay a growing issue