THE ISSUE of homelessness in Hervey Bay has gained significant attention in recent weeks, particularly following a crackdown by the Fraser Coast Regional Council on free camping and homeless community communes along the Esplanade.
This action was precipitated by an alleged attack on a Council officer, which, though disturbing, underscores the broader complexity and challenges associated with homelessness in the region.
The Council’s response was not merely a reaction to a single incident but was rooted in its primary responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the broader community.
Public safety, as a foundational duty of local government, necessitates measures to address the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with homelessness.
At the heart of the issue lies a growing tension between the need for safe, humane treatment of homeless individuals and the pressures of community concerns over public spaces.
The safety of all residents—both housed and unhoused—remains the overriding priority for the Council.
However, such a complex issue requires more than just enforcement of regulations; it demands nuanced, compassionate, and sustainable solutions that acknowledge the underlying causes of homelessness.
Unfortunately, the discourse surrounding homelessness often becomes polarised, with unhelpful commentary circulating on social media platforms.
This kind of online dialogue, often marked by judgment and misunderstanding, rarely contributes to meaningful solutions.
Instead of fostering empathy, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and social stigmas, further alienating those already in vulnerable situations.
The term ‘homeless person’ itself carries a heavy, negative connotation, leading to further marginalisation of those who are already struggling.
It is essential that we challenge this stigma, approaching homelessness with love, compassion, and a recognition that no one is born homeless.
Homelessness is rarely a choice; it is often the result of a cascade of circumstances, including financial hardship, the breakdown of personal relationships, mental health struggles, and substance abuse.
The increasing gap between housing affordability and income is one of the key contributors to this crisis, and it remains a persistent issue in Hervey Bay.
The rental market in the region has seen some of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, making it extremely difficult for those on lower incomes to secure stable housing.
A key factor in the tightening rental market is the rise in interest rates, which is driving up the cost of home ownership and, by extension, rental prices.
Landlords, facing increased costs, are raising rents, which further strains the ability of low-income tenants to remain in their homes.
When investors decide to sell properties—an action they are well within their rights to take—people who had been renting may suddenly find themselves without a stable place to live.
This situation highlights how good, hardworking people can fall into homelessness, not due to any personal failing but because of larger economic forces beyond their control.
The stigma surrounding homelessness makes it even more challenging for people to access support. Homelessness is often accompanied by mental health issues or substance abuse, but these are not the root causes—rather, they are often symptoms of the broader issues.
It is important to remember that substance abuse, while alleged in the incident involving the Council officer, is not the defining characteristic of every homeless person. In many cases, it is an isolated aspect of a much larger issue.
Finding solutions to homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach, with coordinated efforts from all levels of government.
Local governments, like the Fraser Coast Regional Council, must continue to ensure public safety while working to find sustainable solutions for homeless individuals.
However, the problem cannot be solved by local government alone.
The State and Federal governments must also be engaged, prioritising the issue of affordable housing and implementing systemic reforms that address both supply and demand.
National housing reform must include efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing, ensure rent controls where needed, and provide adequate social services to support individuals facing homelessness.
With the right combination of love, action, and political will, we can begin to close the gap between housing affordability and income and stem the flow of people falling into homelessness.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility as a society to address this issue in a way that upholds the dignity of every individual and provides meaningful support to those in need.
