‘Crisis point’: MP vows to tackle safety concerns amid homelessness surge

Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Marty Hunt, Minister Sam O’Connor and Cr David Law at Quota Park yesterday (August 12).

Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt says Nambour is facing a “crisis point” in homelessness, with rough sleeping in local parks now estimated at triple the recent average. He says the flow-on effects are increasingly impacting community safety and amenity.

Following an August 12 tour of affected areas with Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Housing Minister Sam O’Connor, Mr Hunt said the visit was a critical step in getting state leaders to see the situation first-hand.

“I spoke to the Minister for Housing about the urgent need for action in Nambour and he responded by visiting our community to see for himself the extent of the issues locally,” Mr Hunt said. “The community has a right to feel safe.”

Mr Hunt said police had stepped up patrols, including wanding under Jack’s Law, and that a new $3 million Nambour CBD Police Beat was on track to open by the end of the year. CCTV upgrades were also under way.

He said outreach had increased, with the State’s HOME team visiting Nambour twice a week to connect people sleeping rough with housing, health care and support. “Our role is to ensure there are pathways into safe, secure accommodation,” Mr Hunt said. “The HOME teams go directly to where people are sleeping rough to start conversations and connect them to services including crisis accommodation, health care, and essential services. Unfortunately, we understand some individuals are refusing to engage with officers or accept help.”

Mr Hunt said council data showed a 228% increase in homelessness-related complaints from residents over the past five years, with frontline reports suggesting more than 90 people are currently sleeping rough in parks.

“A huge underinvestment in social housing over the last decade and recent enforcement steps taken by nearby councils (Brisbane and Moreton Bay) have resulted in an influx of people experiencing homelessness into Nambour,” he said. “The situation locally has escalated quickly.”

Mr Hunt said he continued to work closely with Mayor Natoli, Division 10 Councillor David Law, the Police District Inspector and several local service providers.

His message for  concerned residents of Nambour was simple. “I hear you,” he said. “Community safety, public amenity and the impacts on locals cannot be ignored and remains my top priority.  I am working on this issue daily and I will keep working with council, police, State departments, the Housing Minister and community services until we see meaningful change. This is a complex issue and we are committed to addressing it.”