Fraser Coast Regional Council is working with Wide Bay Burnett District Police to prioritise support to people experiencing homelessness in Maryborough as part of Operation Xray Navie.
Police recently collaborated with the Council to engage with and assist people temporarily living in a park on Kent Street in Maryborough.
During the engagement, which concluded on 29 October, Council and Police partnered with the Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Corrective Services, and Queensland Health to proactively engage with vulnerable people utilising the public space and offering to connect them with relevant support agencies regarding alternative pathways to accommodation, health and food.
As a result, several people have been relocated to more permanent housing solutions, and some will receive ongoing support from the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit (DFV & VPU).
Case management support has been enacted across several agencies to prioritise a person-centred approach and to develop tailored plans that address ongoing social issues and promote community safety and wellbeing.
Wide Bay Burnett District Officer Superintendent Anne Vogler said it’s positive to see agencies collaborating to achieve practical and sustainable solutions.
“This isn’t about moving people on, it’s about working with each individual to ensure they’re being provided the support they need,” Superintendent Vogler said.
“We will continue meeting and working with this group of partner agencies, under this whole-of-government approach, to encourage people to seek the assistance they need and ensure the right support is available to them.
“The right people are sitting at the table to make decisions and follow through to get support that it is needed.
“This group also advocates for vulnerable people and identifies any gaps in the support provided to our community.
“We’re seeing positive results and this operation is becoming the template for response in other areas.
“Homelessness is a complex social issue that needs to be addressed holistically from all angles.
“It’s important to remember that being homeless is not an offence, only when anti-social, dangerous and criminal behaviour are involved, are police required to take action.”
This collaborative approach will continue in other areas of the Maryborough CBD.
