# Homelessness in Port Macquarie-Hastings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-in-port-macquarie-hastings
> Updated: 2026-08-19T06:35:05.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Homelessness in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region has increased significantly, with street count data indicating that the number of people sleeping rough rose by 68 per cent over the past year, from 69 people in 2025 to 116 in 2026.

In response to this rise, local Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is advocating for the acceleration of the Grant Street development project. This initiative aims to provide 28 social housing units and 66 affordable housing units to the community. Theo Hazelgrove, chairperson of Camden Haven Community at 3, noted that the development could alleviate significant hardship in the area. Previous attempts to secure funding for transitional accommodation via a hotel conversion in Kew were unsuccessful.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Port Macquarie ocean pool project advances to state determination

Port Macquarie’s $13.28 million ocean pool project has advanced to the state determination stage despite local concerns regarding environmental impact and financial viability.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-macquarie-ocean-pool-project-advances-to-state-determination

### 2026-08-09: Port Macquarie-Hastings homelessness rises as housing project push continues

Homelessness in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region has risen by 68 per cent in one year, prompting calls to accelerate the Grant Street social and affordable housing development project.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/port-macquarie-hastings-homelessness-rises-as-housing-project-push-continues

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Cite as: Homelessness in Port Macquarie-Hastings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-in-port-macquarie-hastings