For many Sunshine Coast residents, the housing crisis is no longer something hidden behind statistics.
Tents and makeshift shelters appearing on public land have become a very visible reminder that a growing number of people have nowhere permanent to call home.
One of the most prominent examples has been around the Council-owned Caloundra Aerodrome, where concerns have previously been raised about camping, rubbish and the impact on surrounding businesses.
Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed it is aware of the situation and has engaged support services, with representatives from the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and Integrated Family and Youth Service attending the location to offer assistance.
While the land has not been officially converted into a homeless housing area, the presence of people living in tents raises a confronting question for the Sunshine Coast: when public land becomes the only place people can sleep, has it effectively become housing of last resort?
More Than 1,200 Homeless on the Sunshine Coast
According to Sunshine Coast Council, more than 1,205 people on the Sunshine Coast are experiencing homelessness.
