A war of words has erupted between coastal mayors after a suggestion rough sleepers be sent south sparked a sharp response from Ballina.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate raised eyebrows after suggesting people sleeping rough on the “glitter strip” could head to Byron Bay — comments first reported by the Gold Coast Bulletin.

It is the second time in 12 months Mr Tate has made similar remarks about relocating homeless people out of the Gold Coast.

But Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader has hit back, warning homelessness cannot be solved by shifting people between communities.

“Homelessness affects every town and city, including the Gold Coast and communities across the Northern Rivers,” Cr Cadwallader said.

“Rather than relocating people, the focus should be on shared responsibility and regional solutions.”

The exchange highlights growing tension between coastal regions grappling with housing pressure and rising homelessness.

Byron Bay is often treated as a focal point for homelessness in the region, but the impact extends beyond its borders.

In practice, that pressure increasingly flows into Ballina, where there is greater access to government services, more secluded public spaces, and regular free meal programs supporting people doing it tough.

The contrast between Byron’s high-profile tourist areas and Ballina’s quieter environment has made the shire a more practical base for some people experiencing homelessness.

Cr Cadwallader said while she respected Mayor Tate’s advocacy for his city, the issue required coordination — not displacement.

“Homelessness is a national issue requiring coordinated solutions — not relocation,” she said.

She said councils should instead work together to push for stronger housing outcomes.

“I would welcome collaboration between councils to advocate collectively for stronger housing and support investment from state and federal governments,” she said.

Ballina Shire Council has taken a different approach locally.

Councillors have unanimously supported the NSW Government’s homelessness guidelines, which prioritise support over moving people on.

The policy focuses on working with state agencies and service providers to connect people with accommodation and assistance, rather than relocating them.

Cr Cadwallader said moving people between regions does not address the underlying causes.

“It simply shifts the problem,” she said.

Her comments come as housing pressure intensifies across both Queensland and New South Wales, with regional communities increasingly feeling the impact.

Earlier Story: ‘We’re not all addicts’ – homeless man reveals what it’s really like sleeping rough in Ballina