Calls growing to help homeless

Above: Nourish Street protestors outside Council in Strathpine.

The homeless crisis in Moreton Bay region has come to a head with a major protest and site eviction on the same day, less than 4km apart.

Nourish Street held a rally yesterday outside Moreton Bay City Council in Strathpine and volunteers stood by Gympie Rd with “Honk for the homeless” placards. Many motorists did.

Then hours later video, posted by the charity, of council officers dismantling a homeless camp in Lawnton went viral on social media.

Council said of the 12 homeless people at Eddie Hyland Park yesterday, eight had already received notices, more than two weeks ago, to comply with Local Laws.

Four were new and issued with notices. Two of the sites had been abandoned when Council arrived and officers helped one rough sleeper pack-up and move.

“Due to the significant amount, and unsanitary nature of the rubbish, this could not be done by hand, so an excavator was used to ensure public health for Council Officers and members of the community was maintained,” the spokesperson said.

Police were “in attendance due to Eddie Hyland Park being identified as a location of high risk following aggressive and antisocial behaviour including assaults. These assaults have previously been reported to QPS.”

Beau Hayward, founder of the volunteer-run Nourish Street, said at the morning rally: “We’re seeing the homeless being moved on.

“Unfortunately for a lot of people there hasn’t been accommodation offered, which means when evicted from their tents there’s even more homelessness.

“When you disperse the population you can no longer engage with them in the same way -and that includes (with) services these people may have accessed.”

Emotions were running high again today on the charity’s Facebook page. Krystal Keim wrote: “Just leave them alone. This place is probably the most out-of-sight place they could be.”

Renee Eva said: “What they are doing is inhumane! Totally disgusting!” Roxanne Anderson suggested: “Why can't the government home people like they did in Covid? Hotels.”

The issue of homelessness has ballooned in the last few years, but putting a figure on it is near impossible. Many involved regularly move and definitions of homeless change.

However, Nourish Street says its volunteers provide hot meals, groceries, tents and essential supplies to more than 100 people a week.

The 2021 Census says 1424 people in Moreton Bay were experiencing homelessness (up from 1179 in the 2016 Census) and Council said there has been a 90 per cent increase in the last decade.

Beau Haywood said the homelessness situation is “not just a housing crisis. It’s a human rights crisis”.

“Shelter and food are the bare minimum — the foundation of dignity. These aren’t luxuries. These aren’t rewards for good behaviour. They are basic human rights.

“And yet, every day in Moreton Bay, we meet people who are being denied both.”

The charity has questioned claims crisis accommodation has been offered to everyone and said: “We need real housing solutions. Not band aids. Not spin.

“We need wraparound support — trauma-informed, person-centred care that treats people like human beings, not problems. We need this yesterday.”

“Camping on public land is illegal for all people in City of Moreton Bay. Public places are not suitable for habitation or the keeping of animals,” the spokesperson said.

“The City’s camping on public land local law is consistent with neighbouring South-East Queensland Councils and Local Governments across Queensland.”

“The Department of Housing and Public Works (DoH) is engaging with local rough sleepers and every individual who has engaged with the Department has been offered temporary accommodation or been referred to state-funded Specialist Homelessness Services for support.”

The spokesperson Council will continue to work with all levels of government for alternative accommodation options and appropriate support, including introducing overnight shelters.

Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley said State Government and City of Moreton Bay Council now have fortnightly meetings to discuss homelessness issues.

She said the State’s Critical Response Team (CRT) to “engage with those sleeping rough, persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) and offer them emergency accommodation”.

“Sadly, some homeless people chose not to engage with the Team or decline the offer of emergency accommodation based on a range of reasons,” Kerri-Anne Dooley said.

This may be because a hotel or motel does not accept pets; not being in a preferred location; or the accommodation may be considered unacceptable to homeless people.

However, 82 one-bedroom units for over 55s are being built in Sutton St, Redcliffe and will be social and community housing. They are due for completion this year.

The Homelessness Hub in Portwood St under construction and due for completion mid-June. It will be managed by the Salvation Army and The Breakfast Club.

A Medicare Local Mental Health Hub will also open mid-year to support homeless people and plans are progressing for a new Youth Foyer to support people aged 16 to 25.

A spokesperson for the DoH said this financial year, it has provided more than $11.9 million to seven organisations for specialist homelessness services in the Moreton Bay region. 

"Critical Response Teams are on the ground across Queensland conducting outreach and offering services to those willing to speak with us," the spokesperson said.

Specialist Homelessness Services:

24/7 Homeless Hotline - phone 1800 474 753

Encircle 24/7 - phone 3465 3276

The Salvation Army – phone on 3832 1491

Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre - phone 5432 0700
Details on the Department of Housing and Public Works’ services can be found on its website: www.housing.qld.gov.au