Correcting the record: What’s really being done on homelessness in Nambour: MP

Nicklin MP, Marty Hunt “Our focus remains on real, practical solutions delivered through coordinated action.”

In the last edition of the Sunshine Valley Gazette, Cr Taylor Bunnag chose to write about Nambour – a town he does not represent. In doing so, he made a number of claims that need to be corrected, for the sake of accuracy and for the benefit of our community.

Cr Bunnag suggests that forums and meetings do not address homelessness. That assertion is simply wrong.

The three homelessness forums convened by council have been productive and, more recently, our local community stepped up to host a further forum. Bringing people together to discuss challenges and explore solutions is exactly what Nambour does best. Time and again, this town has shown a willingness to tackle complex issues collaboratively, constructively and with care for those affected.

The outrageous claim that the State Government has done “nothing” and allocated “zero” funding to Nambour is also blatantly incorrect. The Government has budgeted a record $5.6 billion to commence delivery of 53,500 social and community homes – with 270 under construction currently on the Sunshine Coast. This is the largest housing investment in Queensland’s history - because permanent housing is the long-term solution to homelessness.

The State’s HOME Team has doubled its efforts in Nambour over the past year. This state team conducts weekly outreach to proactively connect people sleeping rough with support and services. 

That work has already helped more than 22 people into housing, while dozens more continue to be engaged on a regular basis.

It is also worth remembering what prompted the petition led by Helen Tagg to council last year - the desire to reclaim public parks where children play.

The management of public spaces is a core local government responsibility. The State expects councils to take the lead in maintaining parks and public areas so they are safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone in the community.

After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, we inherited a social housing waitlist of more than 53,500 people – important context that was not mentioned in Cr Bunnag’s column, nor was his membership of the Labor Party disclosed. 

'For now, Councillor, our community wants our kids’ parks back'

That said, I am not interested in turning this into a political debate. Our community deserves a focus on facts, shared responsibility and practical solutions, not point-scoring.

Homelessness is complex. It requires coordination across housing, health, community services, policing and local government, and it was never going to be solved in 12 months.

We are progressing a supported accommodation project in Nambour to provide transitional housing with wraparound support, to be announced very soon, and we are actively assessing suitable locations for a Homeless Day Hub.

Our focus remains on real, practical solutions delivered through coordinated action - because that is what this community deserves. But for now, Councillor, our community wants our kids’ parks back.