26 April 2023
The homeless population can be difficult to quantify, especially through census data due mainly to the delivery of the survey and the complex nature of homelessness. According to the 2016 census North Sydney LGA had 411 people who identified their living situation as homeless, yet according to the 2021 census this number had dropped to 327. North Sydney Council will be able to add more depth to this data through a review of its Homelessness Strategy.
Mayor of North Sydne Zoe Baker said: “Whilst recent Census data suggests that the number of people experiencing homelessness has decreased, there are still people who need services and support. For many people in our community, the current state of the economy is only making things harder thanks to the rising cost of living and the rental crisis. By conducting a targeted review of our Homelessness Strategy, we can tailor the services and support we provide, as well as prioritise what’s needed more urgently.”
The council will conduct community surveys, interviews with people who have lived experience of homelessness, and focus groups with organisations and services that deal directly with homelessness. More broadly, the survey asks for perceptions of homelessness from locals.