Brimbank council is urging the state and federal governments to provide more funding to address homelessness in the municipality.
At the August council meeting, council endorsed a homelessness statement of commitment which outlines three main current gaps in local service.
Council is calling on the state and federal governments to address these gaps by providing funding for a dedicated homelessness service for Brimbank, more specialist AOD (alcohol and other drug) outreach services, and a local coordination model to bring together housing, health, mental health and AOD responses.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said council recognises the urgent need for action to tackle the growing crisis.
“Local councils play an essential role in linking people to the support services they require, drawn from both community organisations and government agencies. However, it’s important to note that local government does not have a formal role in the homelessness service system; this responsibility lies with the state and federal governments,” Cr Dang said.
“We will persist in our call for immediate action on homelessness and strive to improve community health. The state and federal governments, which provide funding for homelessness, housing, and health services, must work to bridge the critical service gaps that are essential for connecting vulnerable individuals with the housing, healthcare, and support they need.”
A state government spokesperson said the government is working closely with specialist agencies to support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
“Of the $300 million we invest each year into homelessness support services, more than $21.6 million is invested in the Brimbank Melton area. This funding supports essential services such as homelessness entry points in Sunshine and Melton, dedicated youth services, individual case support and assistance to help people sustain their tenancies.”
“We know that homelessness is a housing problem, which is why we are investing more than $6.3 billion through the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria.”
The federal government said it is investing significantly in housing and homelessness prevention across Australia, including in the Victoria and the Brimbank local government area in partnership with the Victorian government and local homelessness services.
It referred to national initiatives such as the National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness, the Reconnect Program, the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program and the National Housing Infrastructure Facility in addressing homelessness.
