Mandurah MP David Templeman has welcomed the McGowan government's announcement of a $71.8 million funding increase for homelessness services, saying it will help those sleeping rough or experiencing chronic homelessness in the city.
The new investment, which represents the largest-ever state government funding increase for homelessness services, builds on the $150 million Housing Investment Package announced recently.
As part of the announcement, the government has committed to developing two 'Common Ground' facilities, a model of supportive housing that offers a mix of permanent, affordable housing that is linked with dedicated, tailored support services that address the root causes of homelessness.
The planning, design and construction of the Common Ground facilities will receive $35 million over three years.
In addition, $34.5 million has been set aside over five years for a Housing First Homelessness Initiative (including rental subsidies) to extend successful housing first collective impact approaches to new locations across WA including Mandurah.
The new homelessness strategy sets out a vision where everyone has a safe place to call home and is supported to achieve stable and independent lives.
The new funding is on top of the more than $90 million the state government already spends on specialist homelessness services a year.
Mr Templeman highlighted the need to tackle homelessness in the city.
"We are very aware that the homeless issue impacts communities around WA, including Mandurah," he said.
"We have some very vulnerable individuals and families in Mandurah who need more services to tackle homelessness and our government is delivering.
"Safe and stable accommodation is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of people in our community of Mandurah and around the state."
