Paul Bibby
Byron’s councillors have voted unanimously to explore a series of measures to address what they are now calling the Shire’s ‘housing emergency’.
The measures, contained in a motion from Cr Michael Lyon, include using local caravan parks, motels, and hostels to provide crisis accommodation for women.
The Echo reported last week that the attempt to use local tourist accommodation for this purpose had been thwarted by the inability or unwillingness of the businesses to help out.
Council will now use its powers in a bid to convince some of the providers to take part. This includes the statutory powers that it has as the owner of a number of caravan parks.
‘We have an obligation to do what we can,’ Cr Lyon told the meeting.
In addition to the accommodation plan, councillors voted unanimously to initiate discussions with the state government for the lease and use of disused and surplus rail land for affordable housing.
This project would aim to establish small clusters of self-contained tiny homes on identified unused rail land within the towns and villages of the Shire.
Council will also explore the possibility of setting up amenities hubs in the Shire where those who have been forced to live in their cars or vans can access shower and kitchen facilities.
The hubs would also provide a degree of safety for those living in this way.
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