Ramping up call for housing help

Moreton Bay City Council has escalated its campaign to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis - saying “we can’t be left out any longer”.

Councillors have unanimously endorsed a supportive housing advocacy plan which Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway described as a “much-needed solution”.

The partnership model is seen as a “tangible way forward” for State and Federal Governments to help end the City’s “cycle of chronic homelessness”.

Cr Jodie Shipway (Div 4) said more than 6000 people in our City are on the social housing register and last year, close to 3000 people accessed specialist homelessness services.

Yet data from the 2024-25 financial year shows Moreton Bay behind Brisbane, Logan, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast for investment in Local Governments.

“We can’t be left out any longer. City of Moreton Bay must now be prioritised,” Cr Shipway said at this week’s Council meeting.

“We’ve even gone so far as to identify our initial priorities of Caboolture and Redcliffe.”

CEO Scott Waters said the community faces a “wicked problem”. “It’s all levels including those who find themselves in our parks and reserves with suitable accommodation seemingly years and years away.

“Crisis accommodation and a shelter network is the very least what is needed for our most vulnerable. We have tried all things at our disposal.”

Cr Jim Moloney (Div 8) said: “The time for dialogue is done. We’re the third biggest local government in Australia. It’s way past time for the State and Federal government to deliver what our City urgently needs.”

Council’s Delivering Supportive Housing Partnerships for City of Moreton Bay document outlines a staged, partnership-based approach for supportive housing in key locations, including Caboolture and Redcliffe.

Supportive housing brings housing and support together with on-site services (case management, mental health support, life-skills training) helping people stabilise more quickly and rebuild their lives.

The supportive housing model offers long-term housing security, restores dignity through safe and independent living, and fosters a strong sense of community among tenants.

Common Ground Queensland CEO Sue Pope said City of Moreton Bay is “truly leading the way and helping to create inclusive solutions that support people to build more stable futures.

“The need for supportive housing in the City of Moreton Bay is common sense.”

Cr Shipway said housing is primarily a State responsibility, “but we are the ones at the grassroots, working with stakeholders and our most vulnerable every day.

“There has been a substantial increase in reports of homelessness to Council over the past two years, with increasing impacts on public spaces due to a lack of long-term housing options.

“That’s why we are stepping up our push, highlighting real solutions for practical, partnership-based solutions, especially in relation to supportive housing.

“We’re looking forward to the upcoming State and Federal budgets and with all the work we’ve done in providing solutions, combined with what we are seeing on the ground, Council can’t see how this ask can still be ignored.”

Read more about how the issue is affecting Moreton Bay here.