Colac Otway homelessness highest in state

Colac Otway’s homelessness rate is the highest in the state, new analysis shows.

It comes as more people are sleeping rough in the city and the shire misses out on government funding for crisis housing.

Three hundred and ninety-six people presented for specialised homelessness services in 2019-2020, DHHS data shows.

The Colac Herald has previously reported the figure, but comparative analysis reveals the shire’s homelessness support rate is the highest in Victoria.

The homelessness rate is more than three times’ Corangamite Shire, and more than six times’ Surf Coast and Golden Plains.

Authorities report that more people are sleeping rough in the city this year, including in public facilities like toilet blocks, as well as in alleys and in vehicles.

But Colac Otway missed out completely on State Government funding for regional shires to build crisis accommodation, social housing and affordable housing.

Meanwhile, Surf Coast Shire – which had 81 people access homelessness help in 2019-20 – will receive $20 million.

Homelessness in Colac Otway often takes the form of transient living, like couch surfing or sleeping in cars.

Family violence – which reported incidents increased more than 30 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019 – plays a big role in displacing people.

Western Victoria MP Stuart Grimley said people in regional Victoria had been dealing with homelessness for a long time, with little recognition from the State Government.

He said he was glad to see an investment in homelessness support in the state’s Big Housing Build program, but he was frustrated a minimum investment guarantee wasn’t allocated for areas that needed it most, like Colac.

“Colac’s title as having one of the highest rates of homelessness in the state is extremely distressing and needs to be addressed,” Mr Grimley said.

“What’s worse is that the Big Housing Build has not had a cent allocated to Colac Otway Shire as part of the Minimum Investment Guarantee.

“People need to remember that homelessness doesn’t necessarily mean someone begging on the street; it can look like someone couch-surfing, sleeping in their car, staying with relatives and so many other ways.

“Housing is essential to solving many intergenerational issues including gaining employment and reducing resorting to crime.”

People needing support can contact Colac Area Health transitional housing on 5232 5100 or Salvo Connect on 5223 9220.