NO emergency accommodation in the Augusta Margaret River shire has been labelled a key issue at a community forum discussing the AMR Shire Council Affordable Housing Strategy.
The forum was organised by Naomi Godden and Dave Seager to engage with the community about homelessness and affordable accommodation in the shire.
Residents spoke about how difficult it was to survive in a crisis situation with the closest women’s refuge being more than 45 kilometres away in Busselton.
Some spoke of resorting to sleeping in their cars when a crisis occurred.
State funding was indicated as a requirement to get anything off the ground with councillor Ian Earl saying without the funds, it was difficult for the council to take action.
“It’s ‘how can’ not ‘how will’ the council help,” Mr Earl said.
There was discussion around affordable housing and homelessness with a consensus that they are separate, yet linked issues.
Many spoke up of their feelings of abandonment by council, with high rent prices and a lack of accommodation options being drawn to the forefront by those who have experienced how hard it can be to find shelter in the South West.
“People can’t afford to live here,” one community member called out.
Housing regulations and lack of employment options were brought up as reasons why people couldn’t afford to rent or buy.
Renting a caravan, camping or sleeping in a car was not considered a solution according to residents, with a caravan space costing one resident $206 a week.
Councillor Felicity Haynes thanked organisers and the community for being involved, saying the councillors appreciated the open discussion.
If you or someone you know is in need of South West support, the following are numbers you can contact for assistance.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Department of Housing (Busselton): 9781 1300
Homeless Advisory Service: 1800 065 892
Accordwest Housing (Bunbury, homelessness and tenancy support): 9729 9000
South West Counselling (MR low cost): 9754 2052
Waratah (Busselton, for survivors of violence and abuse): 1800 737 732