‘First step’: Council backs State’s homelessness boost

Sunshine Coast Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s move to strengthen frontline homelessness services and deliver additional short and medium-term support in Nambour.

Minister for Housing and Public Works, the Honourable Sam O’Connor announced the initiatives on Monday following extensive advocacy from Council and the establishment of the Nambour Homelessness Response Forum in 2025 to bring together a multi-agency partnership response.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was excellent to see real outcomes for the region coming from the Nambour Forum – all driven by State and Council working together alongside the local community.

“We brought the Minister to Nambour, walked the streets with local member Marty Hunt and community members and we’ve worked since then to keep the message clear: our community needs support on the ground and through more homes. This is the first step in delivering that.

“Social housing, Temporary Supported Accommodation and ‘Common Ground’ type supportive housing, plus more outreach on the ground – these four elements will make a real difference in our local community.”

Division 10 Councillor David Law, who also holds the Strong Community Portfolio, said the announcement showed the State had listened to regional voices and demonstrated a significant commitment to tackling the challenge of homelessness. 

“I am encouraged by the way the State has responded to input by the Forum and associated Nambour Community Working Group – who both provided an important voice into development of these initiatives,’’ Cr Law said.

“This solution will provide a real benefit to people experiencing homelessness in our community and shows what can happen when all levels of government commit to working together.

“There is still more work to be done, and Council looks forward to the State providing further details about progress of longer-term options in the near future.

“The supportive housing element within today’s announcements will be a big step forward for our region and, together with a potential dedicated Day Hub, will provide key facilities and services to give people the best possible chance of transitioning out of homelessness.”

Cr Law said while the State had ultimate responsibility for delivering homelessness services and support, Council has also invested in local solutions to support state activities like the Sunny Coast Sleeper Bus.

“We’ll continue to provide assistance and advocate for best-practice solutions – backed by research and supported by local organisations who do incredible work in our community,” Cr Law said.

Read the full Queensland Government announcement at the Queensland Government website.