Media response - homelessness in Noarlunga Downs

Published on 21 August 2024

Response to Channel 10.

• As mentioned, I've attached the expiation notice the gentleman received on Monday. Note there is no vehicle registration attached to this. Was the fine filled out incorrectly? This gentleman is one of more than a dozen people sleeping rough in Noarlunga Downs. What is councils plan to help with those homeless in the southern suburbs? These people say there is nowhere to go and continue to be moved on from council rangers.

The City of Onkaparinga hasn’t moved on any homeless people camping at Perry’s Bend. We’re conscious of the difficult issues they’re facing, and our team has worked with them to provide advice and access to support.

Outreach workers have attended the site regularly to conduct welfare checks and provide access to other services as a result of our working relationship with the Toward Home Alliance. Two people have been supported into emergency accommodation through this process.

Recently, at the request of one of the people camping at the site, we arranged the removal of a tent and mattress that had been left behind after someone vacated the area. Our waste team have also delivered a wheeled bin, which will be emptied weekly, to further assist the group.

Longer term, we’re currently developing a council Housing and Homelessness Strategy in response to the broader housing crisis, and further support those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness across the City of Onkaparinga.

Regarding the expiation notice, this specific matter relates only to vehicles being driven onto the council reserve, causing damage to the environment.

In this instance, we requested on numerous occasions that the owner park in the car park at Perry’s Bend, rather than on the reserve.

While an expiation notice was issued on 19 August, this has since been downgraded to a caution only.

We remain willing to engage with the person involved and provide assistance where possible, but parking on the reserve cannot continue due to the damage caused.

ENDS