Housing and homelessness
Council is working to address this significant social issue in the Tweed.
Council must balance community needs and expectations, regulatory responsibilities and respecting people's rights.
Around 308 people identified as homeless in the Tweed on Census night in 2011. In 2016 this increased to 444 people.
In 2011, across the Tweed, 14% were classified as primary homeless (rough sleepers). In 2016 this increased to 48% (ABS 2016). The primary reasons people are homeless in NSW are:
- 65% - accommodation issues
- 53% - financial issues
- 48% - domestic violence and relationship issues
- 35% - other
- 27% - health reasons (including mental health issues and substance abuse)
Homelessness policy
Tweed Shire Council was one of the first local governments in NSW to adopt a Homelessness Policy (2015).
Our current homelessness policy(PDF, 233KB) was adopted on 12 December 2018. Also see homelessness policy review(PDF, 161KB)
In partnership with the housing and homelessness sector and other tiers of government, Council is committed to a collaborative approach to shifting the trajectory for people experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness.
Council's homelessness policy outlines the following to prevent and reduce homelessness:
- education and advocacy
- facilitation and coordination
- Council services and compliance
- land-use planning
- monitoring and research
Committees, interagency, networks and working groups
Council provides Secretariat support to the Tweed Housing and Homelessness Network which aims to build an innovative and integrated housing and homeless service system. The aim is to maximise opportunities to address homelessness and housing needs at all levels, including government, service providers, community and those most at risk.
Meetings: first Thursday of every month - new members are welcome
Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Location: rotates between Murwillumbah Community Centre and The Family Centre, Tweed Heads.
Call: 02 6670 2400
Events and activities supported
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
Youth Homelessness Matters Day is held each year during National Youth Week. It aims to raise public awareness about youth homelessness and celebrate the resilience of young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness in Australia.
Anti-Poverty Week
Anti-Poverty Week is held in October each year. A range of activities aim to highlight or overcome issues of poverty and hardship here in Australia and overseas.
Policy and strategic documents
A range of policies and strategic documents are used to guide engagement and planning for homeless people across the Tweed. These include the Community Profile, Census data, Issues Papers, Policies and Community Strategic Plan.
Local support for the homeless