In Margaret River, over 40 individuals, including a 75-year-old, have been identified as homeless. This alarming discovery has emerged from a recent survey conducted by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, highlighting significant housing instability within this popular tourist destination.
The survey aims to gather data to advocate for increased support and resources for the homeless population. It is particularly concerning that children and senior citizens are among those affected by homelessness in one of Western Australia’s most well-known tourist areas.
Conducted over three days, this pioneering survey involved interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness, including 43 locals and 25 seasonal workers who reported lacking stable housing. The shire estimates that these figures represent only a small portion of the estimated 19,000 residents in the area.
The survey results have sparked discussions regarding the prevalence of holiday homes, with approximately 800 short-term rental properties accounting for at least 10% of the total housing stock in the town. The median rent in Margaret River is notably high, reaching $800 per week, which complicates housing accessibility for many residents.
The demographic data revealed that over two-thirds of those surveyed were middle-aged men, with a median age of 45. The findings also highlighted a wide age range among the homeless, from a 75-year-old man to a 25-year-old, and included twelve children from nine different families.
Notably, one individual reported being homeless for over three decades. Shire president Julia Jean-Rice expressed her shock at the findings, particularly regarding families and children facing homelessness. She pointed out that discrimination often poses significant barriers to securing housing.
Jean-Rice expressed particular concern over the case of the 75-year-old individual living on the streets, emphasizing that homelessness can affect individuals of any age. She reiterated the need for enhanced place-based services and emergency accommodation, stating that the homelessness issue in Margaret River is more extensive than the state government acknowledges.
Shona Hunter, coordinator of the Just Home project, emphasized that the data reflects a deeper, underlying homelessness crisis in the region, challenging the perception of Margaret River as a wealthy locale. Despite its appeal to tourists, there remains a significant population struggling with homelessness.
In light of the findings, there are growing calls for stricter regulations on holiday homes. According to Western Australia’s short-term accommodation registry, there are around 900 holiday rentals in the Augusta-Margaret River area, while the 2021 census recorded approximately 8,800 private residences. Local planning consultant Dane Gaunt has urged the shire to limit new approvals for holiday homes amidst the housing crisis, noting that 10% to 12% of available dwellings are utilized as vacation properties.
Gaunt acknowledged the importance of holiday homes for the local tourism industry but stressed the need for regulatory adjustments in view of the current rental market conditions. The shire, however, has defended its existing policies, asserting that they prioritize the availability of permanent housing. Jean-Rice explained that holiday homes are permitted only in designated areas, and the shire strives to balance the needs of permanent residents with those of the tourism sector.
The state government has been approached for a response to these pressing issues.
