Homelessness in Ballina Shire

There are a range of support services available for those experiencing homelessness.

• For immediate assistance, contact Link2Home on 1800 152 152. This statewide homelessness information and referral service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• For local services, including emergency meals and support services, visit Food & Assistance in Ballina.
• Call 000 immediately if someone is seriously injured, in need of urgent medical help, or an immediate risk to themselves or others.

Homelessness can be defined not only by the absence of physical shelter but by the lack of essential elements of a ‘home’, including security, stability, privacy, safety, and control over living space. 

It is important to acknowledge the difference between general illegal camping and homelessness.

Illegal camping occurs when people camp in public or private spaces without permission, outside designated areas. This includes setting up tents, vehicles, or shelters in parks, reserves, or footpaths. Under the Local Government Act 1993, it may be considered an offence to camp within public reserves and not comply with notifications. Council patrols and manages issues related to illegal camping.

However, when people experiencing homelessness use tents or temporary structures as shelter, the situation is more complex. While some camp for recreation or to save costs, others may have no alternative due to housing insecurity.

Ballina Shire has seen a steady rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness. This is presenting significant challenges for Council, local service providers, the community, NSW Police and state agencies involved in community support, housing, health and other services.

In line with the NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places, local councils and other agencies are expected to adopt a coordinated and compassionate approach when managing homelessness in public spaces. This protocol applies to public places such as parks, streets, and vehicles parked on public roads, but it does not cover private property.

It is important to note that people experiencing homelessness have the same rights as any other member of the public, including the right to be in public places, participate in public activities, request or decline support or assistance and manage their own belongings.

It is not an offence to be homeless, and often these individuals face unique and varied challenges. They may also have companion animals with them for support and safety.

The Protocol does not override existing laws or regulations and does not prevent Council or the police from taking appropriate action when health or safety concerns arise.

NSW Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places

Plain English Guide for the Protocol

Council partners with support agencies to assist people experiencing homelessness by connecting them to essential services. At the same time, Council is committed to maintaining safe and accessible public spaces, ensuring that everyone has the right to enjoy and feel secure in shared community areas.

To address homelessness in the Shire, Council works proactively with NSW Police, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), NSW Health, and other support organisations, taking a coordinated approach to support those in need.

Some key actions currently underway:

• Rangers conduct routine patrols of areas known to be occupied by homeless people to offer assistance and to manage companion animal concerns, rubbish accumulation and general public safety.
• Council is reviewing available resources that can be directed to focus on homelessness matters.
• Supporting DCJ in the annual Street Count to gain a data snapshot on people experiencing homelessness across Northern NSW. This data will inform the targeting of housing and homelessness approaches and resources needed in our area.
• Working with support agencies to expand programs to support homelessness, and where willing, transition people into temporary accommodation and then more permanent accommodation.
• Regular and ongoing meetings with the NSW Police to identify how we can work collaboratively to address community concerns around homelessness and antisocial behaviour, illegal drug use, and public safety concerns. The Police remain the primary authority for reports of theft, violence, aggressive behaviour and or drug and drug related matters.
• Council, Police and local community service organisations are working closely to balance law enforcement with compassion, connecting individuals with support services when needed.
• Reviewing signage in reserve areas to ensure it is clear and up to date. In cases where it is deemed necessary, Police can issue a ‘move on’ direction.

•  Developing a resource brochure and this webpage for people experiencing homelessness, providing them with information about available local services for health, housing, and more. We are also working to improve educational materials for the wider community to better understand homelessness and the Council's role in managing this complex issue.

• Engaging with NSW Health to implement best practices for sharps management and outreach to homeless individuals to support education on syringe and needle management.
• Writing to Local Government NSW, Office of Local Government and Federal Government to provide feedback on the operation and content of the current protocol for homeless people in public places and to seek further support.
• Engage with homeless people and work with them to limit and remove temporary structures, like tents or tarps, if they are unsafe or limit access or use of a public space
• Educate and regulate illegal camping if a person is not homeless or does not follow regulations.

Council appreciates the community’s understanding and patience as we continue to address these issues. The Council, together with support agencies and local services, is doing everything within available resources to manage the complexities of homelessness.

The NSW government, through the Department of Communities and Justice, has a range of programs and initiatives in place to support people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. 

• Find more information on the NSW government response to homelessness here. 
• Find more information on specialist homelessness services here.  

   

The NSW Government conducts annual street counts to gather data on people sleeping rough across the state. These counts provide a snapshot of street homelessness, helping to inform prevention strategies, housing solutions, and post-crisis support.

Street counts are conducted in partnership with local councils, non-government organisations, and government agencies, helping to foster local collaboration and inform approaches to prevention, housing options and post-crisis support.

View NSW Street Count results

If you want to report a concern:

• Call 000 immediately if someone is seriously injured, in need of urgent medical help, or an immediate risk to themselves or others.
• Call Ballina Police on 02 6681 8699 for non-urgent incidents, crimes or police enquiries.
• Call Ballina Shire Council Rangers on 02 6686 1210 during business hours, call 02 6626 6954 after hours, or for any public access or environmental and public health concerns email council@balina.nsw.gov.au.