A number of proposed actions aimed at ending homelessness in Coffs Harbour rather than just managing it are outlined in a new draft strategic document released today by City of Coffs Harbour Council.
While acknowledging the State and Commonwealth remain the primary government agencies for homelessness, the Council says it believes it can be part of a positive response to drive meaningful change.
The Council’s role and 12 specific endeavours are detailed in a Draft Homelessness Strategy which is on exhibition for public feedback.
“Homelessness is a significant issue in Coffs Harbour and the strategy speaks to how the City might channel its efforts, particularly through advocating and collaborating with front-line response agencies,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“The Australian and NSW governments are best placed to develop solutions to homelessness.”
The Draft Homelessness Strategy and associated documents note the particular challenges faced in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA). The most recent Census (2021) recorded that of 860 people experiencing homelessness on the Mid North Coast, 360 (41.9%) resided in the Coffs Harbour LGA. In addition, 320 people reported to be marginally housed – making 680 people in total to be either experiencing homelessness or in a precarious housing situation.
Out of the 360 people experiencing homelessness at Coffs on Census night, 35% were employed, 13% unemployed and 52% were not in the labour force (either on pensions or benefits or had ceased looking for work).
The LGA had the highest number of people who were employed and experiencing homelessness when compared with all other LGAs within the North Coast Primary Health Network footprint.
“Homelessness is a complex and challenging issue and the draft strategy identifies how the City can work with and lobby government departments, and work with community housing providers and specialist homelessness service providers,” said Council Planning and Communities Acting Director, Ian Fitzgibbon.
“The draft strategy looks at initiatives focussed on advocacy, leadership and collaboration as these are thought to be the most effective way for the City to contribute towards ending homelessness within its current role and resourcing ability.”
Initiatives include:
- Advocate to the Australian and NSW Government to legislate a consistent framework for Local Government in relation to its role and responsibility to prevent homelessness.
- Advocate to the NSW Government to improve system responses at transition points, so those exiting prison, hospitals, acute mental health units and exiting out-of-home care and foster care do not fall into homelessness.
- Advocate to the NSW Government to fund and expand a well-resourced Assertive Outreach Team for the Specialist Homelessness Services Sector within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area to address the growing numbers of people sleeping rough.
- Participate in local housing inter-agencies, such as the Coffs Coast Housing Partnership Group, the District Housing Implementation Group, as well as the NSW Government Housing and Health Agreement, supporting a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach for people experiencing homelessness.
- Undertake a research project to investigate the true cost of homelessness issues for the City and investigate how these funds could be redirected and better spent on homelessness prevention such as funding for a Public Space Liaison Officer position/s.
The Draft Homelessness Strategy can be viewed here and submissions can be made through to Monday 8 September.
