Help promised for region's homeless

Homes, hubs and extra funding are on the way to help tackle homelessness on the Redcliffe Peninsula and City of Moreton Bay, says State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley.

The issue – or crisis say some - has become a growing safety and humanitarian concern for residents, support services, Moreton Bay City Council and the State Government.

It was highlighted again in February when Council changed its Local Law Guidelines and banned camping on public land.

Council repeatedly says it is “not funded and resourced to supply housing (for the homeless). It is the responsibly of the State.”

To that end, State Member Kerri-Anne Dooley said Brisbane Housing Corporation, working with the Queensland Government, is building 82 one-bedroom units for over 55s at Sutton St, Redcliffe.

“This is due for competition mid-year and will assist with providing permanent housing for those who fit the eligibility criteria,” Ms Dooley said.

It joins more than 3000 social and affordable homes being built in Queensland - 585 in the City of Moreton Bay - and more under contract to be delivered.

The Peninsula Support Hub at Portwood St, Redcliffe, is also due for completion mid-year and will be home to the Breakfast Club and Salvation Army.

Planning is under way for a new Youth Foyer – Mango Hill and Caboolture are possible locations – providing accommodation and support for those aged 16-25 years.

Ms Dooley said the State Government also funds Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) which provide temporary supported accommodation.

“This financial year we provided more than $11.9 million to seven organisations to provide SHS in the Moreton Bay region,” she said.

“This includes a 20 per cent uplift in funding to help these organisations get people sleeping rough into crisis accommodation and eventually permanent places to call home. 

“We have committed to continuing this uplift in funding for SHS providers until 2028-29.”

There are also Critical Response Teams (CRT), from the State Government, visiting areas where people are known to be sleeping rough.

“Sadly, some choose not to engage with the CRT team or decline the offer of emergency accommodation based on a range of reasons,” Ms Dooley said.

“This is managed in City of Moreton Bay through Encircle’s Homelessness Outreach Assistance Program (HOAP) visiting with the Department of Housing (DoH) CRT and Redcliffe Breakfast Club.”

Specialist Homelessness Services

Encircle (open 24/7) 3465 3276

Salvation Army - 3832 1491.

Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre at Caboolture Square Shopping Centre - 5432 0700.

Homeless Hotline (open 24/7) - 1800 474 753