Social Services deputy fears poverty on the march in Margaret River despite ‘wealthy’ tag

Margaret River could face further growth in its underclass of working residents who struggle to meet basic costs unless the State Government drastically improves its support measures and services, new findings say. The claim comes from the WA Council of Social Services which held an open inquiry session in Margaret River last month as it builds on its next State Budget submission. Deputy chief executive and former Greens Senator Rachel Siewert told the Times although the July meeting heard similar feedback to other regional communities about housing and cost of living pressures, Margaret River differed mainly due to its perception as a wealthy holiday destination and an increase in dual-income families seeking help. “People think Margs is a well-off area, and it doesn’t get the attention it needs even though there’s a lot of people on low incomes who are doing it tough,” she said. She said while Margaret River already had a residential population on incomes below the WA average, the cohort was set to grow unless services based in Bunbury were expanded. “Services aren’t adequately funded enough to get out to those places they are meant to support,” Ms Siewert said. “So that reveals the true cost of those services. Having people come down and be place-based, that’s what people were saying they wanted.” WACOSS also noted assistance services were seeing more families and people on dual incomes seeking support — rather than just seasonal workers or residents receiving welfare payments or in low-paying jobs. Ms Siewert said the consequence of cost-of-living and housing stress placed pressure on social supports, including mental health agencies, and yet outreach to Augusta-Margaret River was inadequate. Margaret River Community Centre manager Lydell Huntly said the rise in people seeking support was noticeable. “We are seeing an increase of people experiencing homelessness and living in their cars, and due to the housing crisis, there are very few affordable options and less than normal share-house options,” she said. “The reality of limited accessible mental health supports for people often results in people’s housing becoming insecure and limits their ability to share house in a sustainable way, so car sleeping and camping illegally become the only options.” Other volunteer groups, including the Margaret River Community Pantry, also previously reported a steady rise in demand for help.