Ballina Shire residents are being asked to have their say on a draft strategy aimed at improving the council’s response to homelessness and rough sleeping.
The draft Homelessness Support Strategy outlines practical measures focused on advocacy, stronger partnerships and referral pathways, improved council processes and the respectful management of public spaces.
It also seeks to ensure people experiencing homelessness are treated with compassion and connected with appropriate support services.
Homelessness can take many forms beyond rough sleeping, including couch surfing, temporary accommodation and living without secure or stable housing.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said homelessness was a complex community issue requiring a coordinated response.
“Homelessness can affect people for many different reasons, and there is no single solution,” Cadwallader said.
“While Council is not a housing or direct homelessness service provider, we have an important role to play through advocacy, coordination and supporting strong local partnerships.”
“Meaningful change requires all levels of government, support services, community organisations and local stakeholders working together.”
“Council will continue to advocate for more social and affordable housing and the support services our community needs,” she said.
The draft strategy identifies four priorities: advocacy and influence, coordination and partnerships, respectful and inclusive public spaces, and information and access to support.
It also recognises that being homeless is not an offence and should not be equated with crime or anti-social behaviour.
Under the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, people experiencing homelessness have the same rights to access public spaces as other members of the community.
Council says its approach will consider individual circumstances and prioritise respectful engagement and connections to support services, while also considering public health, safety, access, environmental impacts and community amenity.
Residents can provide feedback on the draft Homelessness Support Strategy through Ballina Shire Council’s Your Say website until Monday, 5 October.
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