JUST as group of homeless people are making an impassioned plea for dignity and respect comes the news Shoalhaven City Council is preparing for another meeting their future.
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A notion of motion has been submitted for Tuesday’s council meeting on the homeless situation at the Nowra Showground.
The general manager has been asked to “provide a report to the next meeting of Council regarding the continued use of the Nowra Showground by homeless people, including our current policies and enforcement measures being applied to manage this situation”.
The background briefing suggests : “concerns from permanent Nowra residents living near the Nowra Showground continue to arise regarding the continued use of these facilities for homeless people. It is important that the community understands council’s approach to managing this situation”.
The general manager provided notes on the matter - see below.
Staff are continuing to actively implement council’s resolution/policy in relation to the prohibition of camping in tents at the Nowra Showground.
Activities since the Council resolution include: installation of new signage detailing the ‘no camping’ rule and ongoing regular ranger patrols of the area.
The few occasions where a tent has appeared the occupants have been instructed to move on and have done so.
Rangers have dismantled and impounded tents erected by homeless people and have actively assisted the homeless with contact details for alternative accommodation.
As of Tuesday March 21 there were a number of people using the Nowra Showground who could be considered homeless - a family of four who are top of the emergency housing list, an individual and carer – the individual is suffering from terminal cancer, an individual who suffers from chronic heart disease and has returned from a property in Nowra Hill as it was too far from town and treatment and an individual in a panel van who is looking at caravan park options.
Rangers have advised all of these people that the showground is not a long term accommodation option and they have been given notice to vacate.
Rangers and community development staff continue to actively work with individuals concerned and the local housing services including the Homeless Hub and Salt Ministries to ensure the council resolution is followed.
