Media response - homelessness in Noarlunga Downs

Published on 23 October 2024

Response to The Advertiser.

• The journalist asked for comments about rough sleepers in Noarlunga Downs and any support the council has offered.

Comments attributed to Julia Grant, Director Community

City of Onkaparinga is aware of the people who are currently living 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.

We are actively working with the Towards Home alliance to connect people to housing support services and continue to support vulnerable people through our community services with access to food, housing application assistance and other supports.

However, the current arrangements are not sustainable and we need a comprehensive approach to homelessness. Building houses and increasing supply is part of the solution but does not address the urgency of the situation facing these people now.

ENDS