Homelessness across the Goulburn Valley is increasing, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2021 census.
In late March, the ABS released the homeless numbers by local government area, which revealed an increase of 73 people across Moira Shire and Greater Shepparton who were homeless on census night 2021 compared to census night 2016.
Of the 30,605 Victorians who were homeless on census night 2021 78 were in Moira Shire.
Between 2016 and 2021 Moira Shire homeless numbers increased by 15 per cent in Moira Shire — compared to the national increase of 5.2 per cent.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell put the blame for the “massive increase” in numbers on the Victorian Government.
“These figures will have only increased due to the October 2022 flood event, yet we have failed to see any solutions put forward by the government or Housing Minister Colin Brooks,” she said.
Ms Lovell accused the government of hiding the true extent of Victoria’s housing crisis by failing to release the quarterly social housing waiting lists since June 2022.
Ms Lovell said the last known figures showed a staggering 1946 applicants had priority status as they waited for housing in either Moira Shire or Greater Shepparton.
“Applicants with priority status are the most vulnerable who are homeless, at risk of recurring homelessness, escaping family violence, living with a disability or have a special housing need,” Ms Lovell said.
“These applicants have been given priority status because they are deemed to be in immediate need of housing; however, the state budget performance measure shows applicants are waiting an average of 14 months to be housed.”
Data showed that across Victoria on census night, three per cent of homeless people were sleeping rough, eight per cent were staying temporarily with others, five per cent were in other temporary accommodation, and 30 per cent were in severely overcrowded accommodation.
Meanwhile, 28 per cent were in boarding houses and 26 per cent were in supported accommodation for the homeless.