Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank is calling on the state government to provide additional funding for homelessness support in Brimbank.
Mr Ettershank said he was disturbed to hear that in the last financial year, Brimbank council received more than 100 appeals for help from people who had found themselves homeless.
“I know that the Victorian government has made commitments to increase the supply of social housing under the Big Housing Build, any new housing is some years from being delivered,” he said.
“This does not address the rising numbers of people in Brimbank, and across the west, who are sleeping rough and living in unsafe situations, with complex health needs.
“More is needed to alleviate the immediate and ever-increasing pressure on the homelessness services sector, with nearly 90 per cent of those seeking help being turned away on any given day.”
Mr Ettershank applauded council’s ‘Homelessness Implementation Plan’ which outlines its approach to the issue
Additionally, Brimbank council has identified housing and homelessness as a priority in the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-2025.
The organisation also engaged with Homes Victoria, the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and community housing providers to discuss opportunities to increase the supply of community housing in Brimbank.
According to Mr Ettershank, annual targeted funding injection for councils to help them take up anti-homelessness programs and spend more supporting the homeless, was a required measure.
“Council officers meet with police and not-for-profit and government service-providers throughout the year to ensure people experiencing homelessness are getting support,” Mr Ettershank said.
“Libraries are providing resources to these people including access to computers and charging stations, which is so needed if you don’t have a fixed address.”
Mr Ettershank also highlighted the hard work of local homelessness support service providers, including IPC Health and Western Metro Homelessness Service.
“I know more funding is needed for all frontline services as the exorbitant cost of rent and diminishing supply of affordable dwellings drives the rising demand for homelessness support,” he said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
