Call to reconsider closure of homeless accommodation providers
Published on 19 December 2024
Byron Shire Council, as part of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire (ERSCBS), is urgently calling on the Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson, to reconsider the recent closure of Temporary Accommodation providers for people experiencing homelessness in the region.
The request comes in response to the removal of the only three providers currently operating in the Byron Shire, despite record homelessness levels.
With Byron Shire recording the highest number of people sleeping rough in NSW in the 2024 Street Count, Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, expressed deep concern:
“This is an unwelcome Christmas present for people already doing it tough. Removing the few remaining Temporary Accommodation options means taking vulnerable people away from their communities, support networks, and local connections. We need more options, not fewer, especially during the holiday season.”
The NSW Government plans to close eight of 36 Temporary Accommodation providers across the Northern Rivers, including those in Byron Shire. With over 500 households currently relying on temporary housing, the loss of these services could force people to relocate to distant areas like Tweed, Ballina, and Lismore.
“We are calling on the government to urgently reconsider this closure until after the holiday season to prevent further harm to those already struggling,” said Sarah Ndiaye.
ERSCBS Backbone Lead Anna Lockwood highlighted the ongoing housing crisis, with social housing representing just 1.8 percent of local housing stock.
“The region's housing affordability crisis is dire, worsened by soaring rents, property prices, and the aftermath of the 2022 floods,” Ms Lockwood said.
“Many locals, especially those on low incomes, simply cannot afford housing in Byron Shire. The government must act now to protect vulnerable people and provide more permanent, affordable housing.”
The Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, established in 2020, is a community-led initiative that unites local organizations and leaders in the shared goal of ending homelessness, starting with rough sleeping.
“We are committed to making Byron Shire a diverse and thriving community where everyone has a place to call home,” Ms Lockwood said.
For media enquiries contact:
Byron Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Ndiaye: 0432 389 353
Or Council’s Media & Communications Team on 02 6626 7320.