Action over homeless camp

Teams are on the ground working to help the homeless currently sleeping rough beside Redcliffe Tennis Centre.

Health and safety concerns have been raised over the camp ahead of a Queensland Pickball Tour event starting on Friday at the venue with more than 400 players.

Moreton Bay City Council and Redcliffe Tennis Centre have led recent calls for action at the site, on the corner of Portwood St and Lamington Dr.

Mayor Peter Flannery said, as of April 14, everyone at the camp had been referred to the Department of Housing and support services by Council officers.

Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said Outreach teams are working to understand the circumstances of those sleeping rough and connect them to support and long-term housing pathways.

“We know there are vulnerable Queenslanders at this site, including families,” Minister O’Connor said.

“Our focus is making sure they are engaged, supported and moved into safe and appropriate accommodation as quickly as possible.”

Redcliffe Tennis Centre last night said the pickleball tournament, on April 24-27, "is all going ahead" as planned.

Pickleball Queensland also confirmed: “We do not see any impact on the QPT Brisbane tournament this weekend. It is going ahead as planned.

“This situation is not new. Redcliffe had a PPA Tournament the weekend of April 9 without any incident.”

Housing Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) team delivers a weekly co-responder outreach, most recently on April 15, at the Portwood St site with Encircle support services.

HOME is also working with local providers on “suitable housing pathways “ for nine people and to "support those already in accommodation”.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “All members of the community deserve a safe and secure home, however, housing is a direct responsibility of the State and Federal Governments.

“Those residing in the park should be afforded accommodation by the State Department of Housing and Public Works.

“If housing cannot be provided, the State should be assessing the further needs of those at this location.”

The Mayor said there have been complaints about this site all year and it was raised in senior meetings with the Department of Housing and Public Works on March 31.

“Council has received reports about illegal behaviour, as well as public health and safety matters including public toileting and the accumulation of significant general waste on State Government and State Trust land,” the Mayor said.

“As a result, a public health assessment will be required at this site.

“The Council has deployed mobile CCTV and liaised with the Moreton Command to place the mobile Police Beat at this site, along with working with the Queensland Police Service to engage with individuals at the site.

“People sleeping rough must be provided with alternate accommodation that does not include public parks, foreshores, car parks, footpaths and sports reserves which have a designated purpose for the entire community.”