Michael Warren

Journalist

A Newsport reader has provided a measured response and offered a legitimate solution to potentially assist the Shire’s homelessness crisis following a large community reaction to a letter-to-the-editor published by Newsport on December 4.

In what has proven the most read letter to the editor this year to Newsport, reader Gillian Coe wrote:

Dear Editor,

I write to you regarding the following issue.

It is disappointing to see how this picnic table (pictured) was being used at 5.00pm yesterday (at Rex Smeal park) in Port Douglas.

There were two lots of bedding and other food storage items there all unattended.

An hour later one person was laying in one lot of the bedding and was clearly set up for the night.

It was a sad introduction to one of the most iconic areas of Port Douglas.

I don’t know how this situation can be addressed.

As a result, Newsport reader, Josh took to our website in the comments section to address the matter.

“Yes, our town has changed considerably to accommodate the ever-growing Airbnb market, newly relocated permanent residents, and planned developments to replace existing facilities that contribute to seasonal and backpacking workers,” Josh wrote.

“The rental market has always been quite transient, but it never had such short supply and high prices than what we are experiencing now.

“The homeless numbers make up many different situations, from local long-time residents to seasonal workers, both Australian and international.

“The housing bubble crisis is not local to just here, it is a global issue and won't just go away anytime soon. Perhaps if our Council sets up a free refuge camping area near Port Douglas, it will help the image and success of the town.

“Peak seasons with only 50% of the workforce available means we really can't unlock the true potential of our amazing destination for our guests... and this is a real possibility! Instead of building more resorts, let's think about the future of our town and what it really needs.”

The Douglas Shire deputy mayor believes the idea has merit but implementing it would prove challenging.

“I think Josh’s idea is a great one, the question comes, who would manage it, who’s allowed to use it, and then how do you, respectfully speaking, show that you’re homeless etc,” a sympathetic Cr Lisa Scomazzon told Newsport.

“This is a community issue, and it’s absolutely terrible that we have homelessness in our Shire. We’ve never really had it before in our Shire to this type of scale. Any type of camping refuge would need toilets, showers, running water and the like.

“Overall, it’s a sad situation, we do have community services in the Shire that have a focus on securing homes and accommodation for those in need.

“Again, accommodation availability in our Shire is something that I continue to look at very closely – we want everyone to have affordable accommodation options.”