Cartoon: Natasha Williams-Novak By Geoff Ellis
BASS Coast’s homeless people aren’t all living in the wetlands. Far from it. People sleep in cars. They couch surf, moving from one friend’s home to another before the burden of their presence becomes too great. Varying degrees of lockdown add an extra layer of complication to their existence.
The imminent decrease in the JobSeeker payment when the COVID supplement ends on March 31 will coincide with the removal of protective rental measures. Service providers and community organisations such as the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre are worried about how many people will need help in April and beyond.
BASS Coast’s homeless people aren’t all living in the wetlands. Far from it. People sleep in cars. They couch surf, moving from one friend’s home to another before the burden of their presence becomes too great. Varying degrees of lockdown add an extra layer of complication to their existence.
The imminent decrease in the JobSeeker payment when the COVID supplement ends on March 31 will coincide with the removal of protective rental measures. Service providers and community organisations such as the Wonthaggi Neighbourhood Centre are worried about how many people will need help in April and beyond.
Last year the State Government committed to a Big Housing Build program of $5.3 billion for emergency, social and affordable housing across Victoria. At least $25 million of that is allocated to be spent in Bass Coast.
| So far the State Government has released two consultation papers to form the basis for their 10-year strategy for social and affordable housing. While the money has been welcomed, many people across Bass Coast are calling for urgent action, before autumn becomes winter. |  |
The community
“We need to see this money used as soon as possible for a range of accommodation – short-term and emergency housing, small units and larger dwellings,” says Beth Banks from Housing Matters, a recently formed Wonthaggi action group. “It’s not helping anyone to have this money sitting in a bank.”
Some have suggested that Bass Coast Shire Council should immediately buy houses, or other suitable buildings such as the derelict Coles building in Wonthaggi, that could be managed as emergency accommodation while designs are finalised for community housing.Others suggest the old senior campus of the Wonthaggi Secondary College could swiftly be converted to offer a range of accommodation options, from private rooms to quality dormitories, as well as providing lockers and showers. Office space could be made available for social services.
Council CEO Ali Wastie points out that the site is Crown land and housing isn’t allowed. The council is in discussions about using the site for a cultural precinct incorporating a library and gallery.
There have also been discussions around other Crown land sites in and around Wonthaggi and across the shire, including Phillip Island. Homelessness and the lack of social housing is a regional problem.
Phillip Island’s Christine Grayden believes the long-term solution requires amending the Bass Coast Planning Scheme to allow sets of small and tiny houses to be built on land close to town centres.
She has a vision that could see rough sleepers in a home of their own in weeks, once somebody pegs out the land and someone signs the withdrawal slip. “We need to keep our vulnerable people in their own community, but we can’t keep people in storage, waiting for something to happen.”
She has taken inspiration from the Victorian 2019 State of Engineering Report section on modular building as a way to go. Maybe kit buildings are workable.
“We need to see this money used as soon as possible for a range of accommodation – short-term and emergency housing, small units and larger dwellings,” says Beth Banks from Housing Matters, a recently formed Wonthaggi action group. “It’s not helping anyone to have this money sitting in a bank.”
Some have suggested that Bass Coast Shire Council should immediately buy houses, or other suitable buildings such as the derelict Coles building in Wonthaggi, that could be managed as emergency accommodation while designs are finalised for community housing.Others suggest the old senior campus of the Wonthaggi Secondary College could swiftly be converted to offer a range of accommodation options, from private rooms to quality dormitories, as well as providing lockers and showers. Office space could be made available for social services.
Council CEO Ali Wastie points out that the site is Crown land and housing isn’t allowed. The council is in discussions about using the site for a cultural precinct incorporating a library and gallery.
There have also been discussions around other Crown land sites in and around Wonthaggi and across the shire, including Phillip Island. Homelessness and the lack of social housing is a regional problem.
Phillip Island’s Christine Grayden believes the long-term solution requires amending the Bass Coast Planning Scheme to allow sets of small and tiny houses to be built on land close to town centres.
She has a vision that could see rough sleepers in a home of their own in weeks, once somebody pegs out the land and someone signs the withdrawal slip. “We need to keep our vulnerable people in their own community, but we can’t keep people in storage, waiting for something to happen.”
She has taken inspiration from the Victorian 2019 State of Engineering Report section on modular building as a way to go. Maybe kit buildings are workable.
| Ms Grayden wonders if owners of vacant blocks in towns could be approached to lease their land for two or three tiny cottages to be placed on their land. To soften the visual effect ready-made raised gardens could be included in the design. “The council planning scheme would probably have to be amended,” she says. “Maybe there might be some sort of acceptable arrangement where granny flats can be built in willing people’s back yards?” | Culturally safe services Homeless Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people have the same issues as any other homeless people but there is an extra layer of concern around cultural safety and lived experience. Over the years many have chosen to leave Bass Coast due to a lack of culturally safe services, especially since the local Ramahyuck office closed several years ago. |
A planning scheme review is due during this term of council. The council will engage with the community throughout March and April, as part of the development of the next council plan.
“Talk is cheap,” says Jessica Harrison from the Wonthaggi branch of the Australian Unemployed Workers. “No amount of inquiries, studies or crisis lines will house people who are living in insecure rentals, leaky caravans or sleeping rough.
“Our area needs secure, public accommodation for single people on benefits. Those benefits have been cruelly returned to less than the poverty line.”
When Leticia Laing ran for council at last year’s election, one of her platforms was improved social and affordable housing in the Bunurong Ward. “This is still a very important advocacy issue for me as an individual. I’m closely watching the work on Council’s affordable housing strategy.
“Albeit a different council, Cardinia Shire has worked very hard and delivered in this space. I would like to see that and more for our shire, with a focus on Wonthaggi because that’s where the growing need is.”
The council
Bass Coast CEO Ali Wastie says the council will not get any of the Big Housing Build funding but will play a brokerage role. Council's preferred model is to partner with service providers such as SalvoCare.
As for timing, she says HousingVic is assessing applications across the whole state. “They are the ones to ask 'When is something concrete going to happen?’
“In the meantime, Council is developing its housing strategy so no time is lost at our end.
“The strategy will direct where the housing will go – it needs to be near shops, services and transport so Wonthaggi, and eventually north Wonthaggi, are the primary focus. Also what it will look like, whether it’s single accommodation or for families.
“Talk is cheap,” says Jessica Harrison from the Wonthaggi branch of the Australian Unemployed Workers. “No amount of inquiries, studies or crisis lines will house people who are living in insecure rentals, leaky caravans or sleeping rough.
“Our area needs secure, public accommodation for single people on benefits. Those benefits have been cruelly returned to less than the poverty line.”
When Leticia Laing ran for council at last year’s election, one of her platforms was improved social and affordable housing in the Bunurong Ward. “This is still a very important advocacy issue for me as an individual. I’m closely watching the work on Council’s affordable housing strategy.
“Albeit a different council, Cardinia Shire has worked very hard and delivered in this space. I would like to see that and more for our shire, with a focus on Wonthaggi because that’s where the growing need is.”
The council
Bass Coast CEO Ali Wastie says the council will not get any of the Big Housing Build funding but will play a brokerage role. Council's preferred model is to partner with service providers such as SalvoCare.
As for timing, she says HousingVic is assessing applications across the whole state. “They are the ones to ask 'When is something concrete going to happen?’
“In the meantime, Council is developing its housing strategy so no time is lost at our end.
“The strategy will direct where the housing will go – it needs to be near shops, services and transport so Wonthaggi, and eventually north Wonthaggi, are the primary focus. Also what it will look like, whether it’s single accommodation or for families.
| “Council prefers social housing through housing associations as they can provide wrap-around services such as health, employment and disability for better long-term outcomes. And she says there are options for the council to assist. “Council could set a precedent and decide that properties are non-rateable as the council’s financial contribution.” Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari beams as he talks about the Big Housing Build funding for Bass Coast. Cr Tessari, who is also councillor for the ward that covers Wonthaggi and a former local real estate agent, says he’s looking forward to sitting down with Bass MP Jordan Crugnale and working out the details. | No fixed abode One issue that Bass Coast Health (BCH) has identified is that homeless people usually come into the hospital through emergency and outside the hours of referral agencies. As well as treating their immediate medical issues, nurses and doctors make sure they get a good feed before they leave. Staff also ensure that a systematic approach is taken to follow up on outpatient treatment for patients “of no fixed abode”. BCH also has a wide range of support services that provide a co-ordinated response to homelessness. This includes work on prevention through Change for Sam and Orange Door when family violence is a factor. |
“We need to know what’s expected and what the options are. It’s probably not as simple as walking into a real estate office to see what’s for sale, but if it is, those offices are open seven days a week.”
The MP
Jordan Crugnale recalls showing Premier Daniel Andrews the Miners’ Rest Caravan Park back in 2015 when she was a local councillor, and talking about the lack of emergency, crisis and social housing in the Bass Coast.
Since then the Miners’ Rest – home of last resort to many – has closed and she is now the MP for Bass.
In terms of housing stress, she says there are particular concerns about women and children experiencing family violence, young people couch surfing and the growing number of single older women at risk of homelessness. People with mental health challenges and people living with a disability need suitable accommodation.
“From speaking with SalvoCare’s Mark Dixon, they are very clear on where and what types of housing is required here in the Bass Coast.”
Ms Crugnale says housing providers have approached HomesVic and proposals are being assessed. The first round of funding is expected to be concluded toward the end of the month.
“Spot purchasing is happening. I will have an update for Bass Coast in a month about offers, then due diligence will be observed before settlement occurs.
“We also have to look at affordable housing opportunities for workers here in Bass Coast as we know rentals are hard to come by and properties are snaffled up quickly, sometimes before they even hit the market.”
“We are constantly looking at land and properties for sale – if community members have any suggestions please email them to me at [email protected] for consideration.”
The MP
Jordan Crugnale recalls showing Premier Daniel Andrews the Miners’ Rest Caravan Park back in 2015 when she was a local councillor, and talking about the lack of emergency, crisis and social housing in the Bass Coast.
Since then the Miners’ Rest – home of last resort to many – has closed and she is now the MP for Bass.
In terms of housing stress, she says there are particular concerns about women and children experiencing family violence, young people couch surfing and the growing number of single older women at risk of homelessness. People with mental health challenges and people living with a disability need suitable accommodation.
“From speaking with SalvoCare’s Mark Dixon, they are very clear on where and what types of housing is required here in the Bass Coast.”
Ms Crugnale says housing providers have approached HomesVic and proposals are being assessed. The first round of funding is expected to be concluded toward the end of the month.
“Spot purchasing is happening. I will have an update for Bass Coast in a month about offers, then due diligence will be observed before settlement occurs.
“We also have to look at affordable housing opportunities for workers here in Bass Coast as we know rentals are hard to come by and properties are snaffled up quickly, sometimes before they even hit the market.”
“We are constantly looking at land and properties for sale – if community members have any suggestions please email them to me at [email protected] for consideration.”