With a growing population of people who are homeless in the area, what to do about it was one of the agenda items discussed by Lismore City Council at last night’s council meeting.

Councillor Ekins said the issue of homelessness was “a wicked problem” which has been in council’s strategic plan for ten years and it was time to address it.

“We have over 200 people sleeping rough in our community every night - maybe party by choice, or because there are no other options – it’s a difficult issue,” she said.

“This is about getting agencies together to investigate funding and accommodation options and we need to start engaging with people about it.

“We need to build appropriate safe accommodation options.”

Cr Ekins said there was already money directed toward the Winsome Hotel for providing a service hub and meals and was a place agencies could go to help people.

“We know that women over 55 are increasing in homelessness… but it only accommodates 12 men,” she said.

Cr Ekins said some of the park areas in Lismore she goes to have people living on them.

“There are concerns from nearby residents about it because fires are being lit there.

“We need to investigate options and take action on this before another ten years passes.”

The original motion to address homelessness was generated by Cr Bird. 

The motion noted that the “proportion of homelessness people has grown between the last two census’ (8.4%) in Lismore LGA and is growing at a rate that surpasses its population growth (-.06%)”.

It also suggested that council, in partnership with relevant organisations in the Lismore local government area,” investigates funding options to support the creation of an integrated strategy that takes a holistic approach to homelessness, housing and wrap around service delivery”.

It also asked council to investigate options including the lease and no cost development to Council of Crown land or buildings in South Lismore to create a social enterprise to support the transition of homeless people through training and education opportunities.

Council’s general manager Shelley Oldham said council had already held preliminary conversations with stakeholders about the issue.

“There’s also a Federal initiative on counting homelessness, with a count due to happen in Lismore next year,” she said.

“We want to be on the front foot to support agencies in town and see if there’s buy-in in our region.”

Cr Casson spoke against the motion, stating that with the recent rates increase, council should not be looking at spending money on homelessness.

“We are trying to be everything to everyone,” she said.

“I feel sorry for the homeless, but bottom line is, it’s not our jurisdiction – it’s State and Federal. 

“Council is limited to managing behaviour in public places. 

“We have appalling roads and shouldn’t spend dollars on something else.”

Cr Casson noted that there was no funding source listed to pay for staff time needed to pursue the issue if the motion was passed.

As it was a requirement for the motion to be passed, the vote was held off until the motion was brought back to next council meeting in February.