MP welcomes progress, urges patience: Response already delivering results

Marty Hunt: “Outreach teams have doubled their visits to Nambour”.

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt says the recent Nambour Homelessness Response Forum has already delivered tangible results and helped build stronger collaboration between council and the State Government.

Mr Hunt said it was encouraging to see key stakeholders come together with a focus on “meaningful solutions” to Nambour’s growing homelessness crisis, and that the group had committed to meeting regularly to maintain momentum.

“One positive outcome has already been achieved, with State specialist outreach teams doubling their visits to Nambour each week,” he said. “This means more rough sleepers are being offered pathways to emergency housing and support. While not everyone accepts help straight away, continued engagement is vital.

“Secondly, with Council, we have committed to urgently explore safe and appropriate alternative locations for people experiencing homelessness, with wrap-around services to provide the support they need.”

Last week Mr Hunt joined council officers on a visit to a supported accommodation model in Brisbane (Common Ground) to assess what might be adapted locally.

“The long-term solutions are the most promising,” Mr Hunt said. “The Crisafulli Government’s first Budget has delivered $5.6 billion for social and community housing – the largest investment Queensland has ever seen.”

Mr Hunt said a Homelessness Ministerial Advisory Council had been established, bringing together sector experts to guide policy and strengthen coordination between housing, health, councils and community services.

“Alongside this, the Securing Our Housing Foundations strategy is a bold 20-year plan to deliver one million new homes by 2044, including 53,500 new social and community housing dwellings.

“Here on the Sunshine Coast, 52 new social and affordable homes are under construction, with another 25 homes contracted for delivery in the Nicklin electorate - adding to the 623 social housing dwellings already in Nicklin.”

Mr Hunt acknowledged immediate solutions were more challenging. “After years of underinvestment, there is no quick fix. Addressing homelessness requires a balance between responding to urgent needs and tackling the root causes. 

“There are many obstacles – engaging with those who are reluctant to accept help, and the reality that building new social housing takes time. But with the record investment now underway and stronger collaboration across State and local governments, I do believe we are moving in the right direction.”

Mr Hunt continued to apply steady pressure on Council to manage its public areas and reaffirmed his commitment to public safety following an uptick in disturbing incidents as reported in the Gazette.

“Ultimately, the management of local parks – including rubbish and waste – is a decision for council.

“My priority is community safety, which is why I secured $3 million for the Nambour CBD Police Beat and upgraded CCTV, and I’m proud to be delivering this for our community.”