Housing and homelessness
Council is taking proactive measures to address the escalating homelessness crisis, which has been exacerbated by the local housing shortage—both of which are significant social challenges across the Shire.
The management of these issues is complex, as council must balance the needs and expectations of the entire community, fulfill regulatory obligations, and respect the rights of individuals.
Homelessness statistics
Accurately measuring homelessness in Tweed Shire is challenging due to its transient nature. The following statistics are based on the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census:
529 people in Tweed Shire identified as experiencing homelessness on Census night, up from 444 in 2016 and 308 in 2011.
This includes:
- 37% living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out
- 12% in supported accommodation for the homeless
- 24% staying temporarily with other households
- 4% living in boarding houses
- 6% in other temporary lodgings
An additional 304 people were identified as living in other marginal housing on the night of the 2021 Census, including crowded dwellings, improvised dwellings, and those marginally housed in caravan parks. According to the annual Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Statewide Street Count, in 2024 Tweed Shire experienced the 3rd largest increase in the number of people rough sleeping among NSW Local Government Areas.
Vulnerable groups
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the risk of homelessness, including:
Homelessness has profound and lasting impacts on individuals and families. It is associated with poor health, higher rates of mental illness, and future employment challenges, as well as increased use of health, justice, and welfare services.
For some, homelessness is a one-time, short-term event. For others, it is a recurring issue, with periods of housing instability (NSW Government 2018).
Council has invested in a number of activities to better understand the issues, needs, collaborators and potential solutions.
Policy and strategic work
A variety of policies and strategic documents guide engagement and planning for homeless individuals across Tweed Shire. These include the Community Profile, Census data, Issues Papers, Policies, and the Community Strategic Plan.
Homelessness policy
Tweed Shire Council was one of the first local governments in NSW to adopt a Homelessness Policy (2015). In collaboration with the housing and homelessness sector and other levels of government, the Council is dedicated to a cooperative approach to changing the trajectory for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Council’s homelessness policy includes the following strategies to prevent and reduce homelessness:
Common Ground Business Case
Council have worked with consultants to develop the report ‘A Common Ground Housing First Solution for the Tweed Shire’ (September 2024). The business case has the following objectives:
Affordable Housing Strategy
Council has developed a Tweed Affordable Housing Strategy in response to unprecedented pressures on housing affordability and accessibility to affordable rental housing. The Strategy is being developed alongside the Tweed Growth Management and Housing Strategy, which looks at how the region can accommodate population growth and employment opportunities for the Tweed to 2041.
Committees, interagency, networks and working groups
Tweed Housing and Homelessness Network
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 of this important network is to maximise opportunities that address homelessness and housing needs at all levels, including government, service providers, community and those most at risk.
Network meeting details:
The network meets on the 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.
For more information, please call 02 6670 2400.
The Northern Rivers Zero Project
The Northern Rivers Zero Project aims to eliminate rough sleeping across the Northern Rivers by 2034. The project involves 7 local government areas covering Tweed Shire, Byron Shire, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond, Lismore and Clarence Valley.
The projects main functions are:
- Shift and allocate the provision of resources
- Be action-oriented and make decisions that respond to changing circumstances
- Agree changes in common practices to improve outcomes for people sleeping rough
- Developing pathways for the collection of system change recommendations, and for their implementation and evaluation.
The Tweed Zero Project
The Tweed Zero Project is the local arm of the Northern Rivers Zero Project and aims to support people within the Tweed Shire.
A tool used as part of the Tweed Zero Project is the "Tweed by-name list", a real-time, dynamic list used by local community organisations to identify and keep track of individuals experiencing homelessness. The idea is that to combat homelessness you must first know who is experiencing it and understand what supports they need to find suitable housing.
This person centred approach allows service providers to identify who is experiencing rough sleeping, understand their specific needs, and ensure that support services are effectively coordinated for the individual.
Council supported events and activities
Youth Homelessness Matters Day
Youth Homelessness Matters Day is held annually in April during NSW 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 those experiencing homelessness in Australia.
Anti-Poverty Week
Anti-Poverty Week is held in October each year and supports the Australian community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to act collectively to end it.
Local support for the homeless