Ballina Council has moved to draw a clearer distinction between homelessness and anti-social behaviour, declaring that rough sleeping is not an offence as it puts a new homelessness strategy out for public comment.
The draft Homelessness Support Strategy, released this week, sets out how Council plans to respond to homelessness and rough sleeping through advocacy, stronger partnerships with support services, improved referral pathways and the management of public spaces.
It also makes an explicit distinction between people experiencing homelessness and those involved in crime or disruptive behaviour.
‘Being homeless is not an offence, and homelessness should not be equated with crime or anti-social behaviour,’ the strategy states.
Under the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, people experiencing homelessness have the same right to use public spaces as other members of the community.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said homelessness could arise for many different reasons and there was ‘no single solution’.
‘While Council is not a housing or direct homelessness service provider, we have an important role to play through advocacy, coordination and supporting strong local partnerships,’ Cr Cadwallader said.
The strategy identifies four priority areas: advocacy and influence, coordination and partnerships, respectful and inclusive public spaces, and better information and access to support.
Council says each situation will be considered on its individual circumstances, with a preference for respectful engagement and referrals to support services, while still considering health, safety, access and community amenity.
Police remain responsible for responding to theft, violence, aggressive behaviour and drug-related offences. Council rangers also patrol known rough-sleeping areas and deal with issues including rubbish, animals and public safety concerns.
The draft comes after councillors previously called for stronger police powers where rough sleeping is accompanied by anti-social behaviour.
Public feedback on the strategy is open until October 5.
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