Nambour homelessness response to deliver housing and support boost
Pictured: From left Mayor Natoli, Marty Hunt and Sam O’Connor look over plans for the Carter Road site where eight new social homes to be delivered in partnership with community housing provider Coast2Bay.
A major package of funding and housing initiatives has been announced for Nambour, aimed at strengthening frontline homelessness services and expanding supported accommodation in the town.
Nicklin's Marty Hunt MP said the measures formed part of the government’s Nambour Homelessness Response and was designed to provide immediate support for people experiencing homelessness while increasing local housing options.
The initiatives include $1 million for local specialist provider IFYS to boost homelessness outreach and mobile support services across Nambour from one day to five days, as well as eight new social homes to be delivered in partnership with community housing provider Coast2Bay Housing Group.
A new crisis and transitional housing development is also planned, delivering 20 places of temporary supported accommodation for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness at a newly acquired site just outside the Nambour CBD.
In addition, negotiations are underway with Sunshine Coast Council to secure a site for a future supportive housing development, which would provide longer-term accommodation with built-in supports such as tenancy sustainment, mental health services and other wrap-around supports.
The Queensland Government said the Nambour initiatives build on a broader pipeline of more than 300 social and affordable homes underway across the Sunshine Coast region.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O'Connor MP said the announcement followed last year’s Nambour homelessness forum, where the State Government and Sunshine Coast Council committed to working together on a localised response.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and these new local solutions will help provide immediate support for people doing it tough while delivering more housing for the most vulnerable members of the Nambour community,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By strengthening frontline services, delivering housing with support built in and starting work on more social and community housing, we’re creating a pathway for people to rebuild their lives after a decade where housing supply didn’t keep up with demand.”
The State Government said Queensland’s homelessness system had been left under-resourced over the past decade, with waitlists increasing and frontline services under pressure.
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the response reflected strong local advocacy and the need for practical action.
“Addressing housing and homelessness has been a key priority for me along with community safety and today we are delivering real tangible solutions that will make a meaningful difference,” Mr Hunt said.
“Our community has been calling for more support and more housing, and we are responding with practical measures to help people move out of homelessness and into safe, stable accommodation.
“These investments will expand local support services, deliver new homes and help restore a sense of safety and wellbeing across the Nambour community.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the announcement demonstrated the importance of collaboration between all levels of government and the community.
“I’d like to thank Minister O’Connor for engaging with us and listening to our community’s concerns on this urgent issue.”
Coast2Bay Housing Group CEO Andrew Elvin said the eight new social homes would help meet growing demand for affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast.
“This development is a special project for Coast2Bay Housing – our journey as a community housing provider began here in the heart of Nambour,” Mr Elvin said.
“Everyone deserves a safe and secure home, but to make that a reality we need more homes and we need local solutions, which is exactly what this project delivers.
“We are proud to partner with the State Government and local builder Rejuvenate Group Pty Ltd to deliver these eight new units for 12 individuals in Nambour.”
What’s planned for Nambour
Three key projects form the core of the Nambour Homelessness Response, combining immediate support with longer-term housing.
• The largest confirmed funding is $1 million for IFYS, a local specialist provider. The funding will expand homelessness outreach and mobile support services across Nambour, aimed at helping people on the ground connect with housing, health and support services.
• On the housing front, eight new social homes will be delivered in partnership with Coast2Bay Housing Group. The development will provide accommodation for 12 individuals, adding to the town’s limited supply of affordable housing.
• A third project will deliver 20 places of crisis and transitional accommodation at a newly acquired site outside the CBD. This facility is intended for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness who need short-term, supported housing.
In addition, early-stage negotiations are underway with Sunshine Coast Council to secure land for a future supportive housing development, which would offer longer-term accommodation with built-in services such as mental health support and tenancy assistance.
