Perth campers on 'street of despair' face eviction as housing crisis worsens

Dozens of Australians facing homelessness have been given just days to leave a makeshift campsite in Perth's south, as concerns grow over where they will go next. The Cook Government has ordered roughly 50 people living along Memorial Drive near Stirling Naval Base in Rockingham to vacate by September 22.

The site, dubbed the city's 'street of despair', has become home to people living in tents, cars and caravans for months. Residents say soaring rents have left them with few affordable options in the region.

Residents say they have nowhere to turn

One woman, who has been at the camp for a month, told the ABC she had no idea where she would go next week. She said she lost her job six months ago while her husband was recovering from a back injury, leaving the couple unable to meet their $700-a-week rent.

'We had no choice but to come here,' she said. 'I had a full-time job in March, and it's now September, and I am homeless.'

Another resident, Gemma Jones, said the cost of alternative accommodation was simply out of reach.

'Going to a caravan park is going to be nearly $800 a fortnight, moving to a house is $900 a week — it's so unrealistic,' she said. 'Just to afford that, you've got to be working nearly three jobs just to come close to that.'

Peter, another resident, told 7News he also had nowhere to go. He said he had been on the Department of Housing waiting list for five years with no outcome.

Government says support remains available

WA Minister for Homelessness Matthew Swinbourn said campers had been given seven days to leave, but stressed the government was not abandoning them. He said authorities would continue working to connect people with crisis, transitional or permanent accommodation.

'We're not abandoning them and we're continuing to support them,' he said during a press conference.

The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation said it had been aware of the situation since April. Swinbourn noted there had been more than 1,000 points of contact with people at Memorial Drive, while authorities had raised concerns about safety and anti-social behaviour. He also said some people had refused to engage with outreach services.

A growing homelessness problem in Western Australia

The eviction order comes months after the number of rough sleepers along Memorial Drive reportedly doubled or even tripled. In July, families, pensioners and other people facing homelessness were stationed alongside the road. One family had been living in a tent with four children after losing their previous accommodation, while a 78-year-old man had spent two years living in his car.

The situation highlights broader pressures on the Australian housing market, particularly in Perth, where rental prices have climbed sharply. As the September 22 deadline approaches, residents and advocates are calling for more affordable housing options and long-term solutions to address the underlying crisis.

What support is available for people facing homelessness in WA?

The WA government provides crisis accommodation, transitional housing and outreach services through the Department of Communities. People in need can contact the Homelessness Line on 1800 800 308 or visit the department's website for assistance.

Why is homelessness increasing in Perth?

Rising rents, limited social housing supply and economic pressures such as job loss or illness are key drivers. In the Rockingham area, the lack of affordable options has pushed more people into informal campsites like the one on Memorial Drive.

Photo: Yahoo!7 News