FAQs

Homelessness and rough sleeping are growing challenges that affect individuals, families and the wider community.

The draft Homelessness Support Strategy provides a clear framework to guide how council responds to these challenges. While council is not responsible for providing housing or specialist homelessness services, it has an important role in advocacy, coordination and supporting local partnerships.

The draft Strategy focuses on collaboration and practical local actions, recognising that addressing homelessness requires a coordinated effort across all levels of government, service providers, community organisations and local stakeholders.

Council is not a housing provider or specialist homelessness service. Its role includes connecting people with support services, working with government agencies and community organisations, advocating for improved housing and services, and keeping public spaces safe and accessible.

Council is not a housing provider or specialist homelessness service. Its role includes connecting people with support services, working with government agencies and community organisations, advocating for improved housing and services, and keeping public spaces safe and accessible.

Being homeless is not an offence, and people experiencing homelessness have the same rights to access public places as other community members.
 

In line with the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places (which can be accessed in plain English here), Council takes a coordinated and compassionate approach that considers individual circumstances alongside public health, safety, access, environmental impacts and community amenity.

 The Protocol does not override existing laws or prevent Council or NSW Police from taking appropriate action where required.

Illegal camping generally involves camping in an unauthorised location. When someone experiencing homelessness uses a tent, vehicle or temporary structure because they have nowhere else to stay, the circumstances are more complex and council considers each situation individually.

Council generally prioritises engagement, support and referral. However, action may be taken where there are concerns relating to public health, safety, access, environmental impacts, amenity or breaches of regulations. Police remain responsible for criminal matters and can issue move-on directions where appropriate.

Call 000 for an emergency or immediate safety risk. For non-urgent crime or Police matters, contact Ballina Police on 02 6681 8699. For public access, environmental or public health concerns, contact Council Rangers on 02 6686 1210 during business hours or 02 6626 6954 after hours.

A range of local services provide housing assistance, food, showers, laundry, healthcare and other support. For immediate homelessness assistance, Link2Home is available 24/7 on 1800 152 152. Council also provides a local support services directory and weekly calendar which can be found on the website here.

Council works with NSW Police, NSW Government agencies, health services and community organisations to coordinate responses, connect people with appropriate support and address community concerns. Specialist providers remain responsible for direct client support and case management.

Housing and specialist homelessness services are primarily the responsibility of the Australian and NSW Governments. The draft Strategy proposes that council continue advocating for increased social and affordable housing, crisis accommodation, homelessness prevention initiatives and support services for the Ballina Shire community.