A new advisory group aimed at tackling housing and homelessness within the City of Busselton has won the backing from the council, paving the way for a more co-ordinated local response.

The housing and homelessness advisory group, put forward by Busselton community organisation Lamp Inc., will bring together service providers, people with lived experience and key decision-makers to help shape future strategies and advocate for change.

The initiative forms part of the city’s new community health and wellbeing plan 2026-2031, which was endorsed at the May 27 ordinary council meeting.

Lamp housing and homelessness advocate Lee Hill said she was really pleased to see that the majority of elected members recognise the value of the approach and support its establishment.

“It is important to acknowledge that local governments are often operating within significant constraints,” she said.

“They do not necessarily have the funding, resources or legislative powers required to directly address many of the systemic issues that have contributed to the housing and homelessness crisis we are seeing today.

“Despite this, I have been genuinely encouraged by the level of unity shown by councillors and their willingness to advocate for the needs of all members of our community.”

Ms Hill said the advisory board would provide an opportunity to bring together place-based knowledge, lived experience, service providers, residents and local leaders to identify emerging challenges, co-ordinate local responses and advocate collectively to the State Government for the resources and policy changes the region needs.

“Importantly, it is also an opportunity to recognise the strengths that already exist within our community,” she said.

“Everyday I see individuals, businesses, community groups and services stepping up because they care deeply about the wellbeing of others.

“My hope is that the advisory board becomes a vehicle for turning that shared commitment into meaningful action, ensuring local voices are heard and helping drive practical solutions that reflect the needs and realities of our community.”

City of Busselton mayor Phill Cronin said the overall community health and wellbeing plan represents an important step forward in how the city supports community wellbeing and strengthens the city’s role in working collaboratively to improve outcomes across the district.

“Consultation highlighted that mental health, cost-of-living pressures, safety and access to services are key concerns, and this plan puts those issues front and centre,” he said.

“Health and wellbeing are shaped by many factors, from housing and transport to community connection and feeling safe.

“This plan positions the city to take a more proactive and co-ordinated approach, working closely with our partners, to advocate for our community and deliver inclusive, accessible initiatives that support people at every stage of life.”

The plan is set to identify opportunities to do more in key areas such as housing, transport and access to services.