COUNCILS across the south-east of Victoria have issued a renewed call for more government intervention to reduce homelessness.
Representatives from advocacy group Greater South East Melbourne, the Community Housing Industry Association Victoria, and Launch Housing gathered last week to call for more support to tackle a shortage of social and affordable housing. GSEM Chair Simon McKeon said “councils across Melbourne’s south east are seeing the impacts of the housing and homelessness crisis firsthand.”
“Across our region, councils and communities are grappling with a real and visible increase in homelessness and rough sleeping,” he said. “Local services are under pressure and communities are increasingly concerned about the impacts on safety and wellbeing. This is not something councils can solve on their own.
“Safe and affordable housing is the foundation for strong and connected communities. When government invests in housing, the benefits are felt across the entire community. It improves outcomes for vulnerable people, reduces pressure on services and helps ensure our growing region remains liveable for everyone.”
GSEM advocates for projects across eight south-east Victorian municipalities, including Frankston, Kingston, and the Mornington Peninsula. It said in a statement that “South East Melbourne recorded the second highest number of homeless clients in Australia in 2023-24, with 9,980 people seeking support. The region also recorded the second highest number of people at risk of homelessness and the third highest number of people experiencing homelessness.”
Frankston mayor Cr Sue Baker attended last week’s meeting to offer her support. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Stephen Batty also voiced his support after the event, saying “homelessness services are the state government’s responsibility, but its lack of action has forced councils to fill the gap.
“Our community needs more than promises – it needs candidates to commit to urgent investment in affordable and social housing.”
First published in the Frankston Times – 22 September 2026