New laws to tackle safety fears

Above: A camper on public land in Pelican Park, Woody Point.

New laws are being brought in to tackle “unacceptable, illegal behaviour” by some homeless people camping on Moreton Bay City Council land.

It follows drug taking, assaults, toileting in public, fighting and using dangerous weapons, off-leash dog attacks, alcohol abuse, illegal fires and strewn litter.

There has also been aggressive and antisocial behaviour by some towards other public park users and Moreton Bay City Council officers.

This comes as housing data shows the City of Moreton Bay has 4421 people on its social housing list – the highest in Queensland.

There has also been a 90 per cent increase in homelessness over the last decade and a 250 per cent rise in the last two years in referrals to Council of those sleeping rough.

Mayor Peter Flannery said Moreton Bay is now at a “tipping point” with serious public safety concerns, impacts accessing public land and Council facing a $2 million annual bill.

“This is unacceptable - and I’ll not stand for it any longer,” he said, calling on the State Government to act.

“There needs to be change now to ensure all residents can access and feel safe in our public spaces, while maintaining compassion and support for people experiencing homelessness.”

Moreton Bay has brought its Persons Experiencing Homelessness Camping Framework into line with other South-East Queensland Councils.

“Council’s Local Law Guideline will now prohibit the keeping of animals by all persons camping in Council’s public spaces,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Our officers have observed on multiple occasions animals being kept in public places, not under effective control.

“Given the high number of animals, the level of risk to our community is unacceptable.

“Council will also change guidelines around public space camping undertaken in caravans, camper trailers and other vehicles embellished for the purposes of camping.

“These vehicles are having a detrimental impact on the amenity and accessibility of some public spaces. They should be using dedicated caravan parks.

“It’s illegal to just set up your van or camper trailer anywhere in Australia - this is not a new thing, nor specific to City of Moreton Bay.”

Cr Adam Hain (Div 3) said in a full Council meeting: "I don't want to go into the horror stories I've seen in recent months, but it is timely."

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway said: "Our resident should not pay the price for not having options" and Cr Matt Constance (Div 10) added:  "To see the encampments starting to pop up ... we had washing lines being set up ... it was quite a shock."

The Mayor said housing and homelessness are “the responsibility of other levels of government” and has called on the State to take its “responsibility seriously”.

“I have been vocal about this issue for years now, but it’s reached breaking point,” the Mayor said.

“I’m over the blame game - now is the time for the State to deal with the situation.

“Council is spending over $2 million of rate payer funds annually in our response to camping in public spaces.”

This includes eight staff to respond to the situation and paying extra police to accompany officers to sites that are unsafe.

“The Queensland Government is responsible for providing safe and appropriate housing including crisis accommodation and social housing options for vulnerable members of our communities,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Council does not have the statutory powers to move people on from public spaces nor properly address these safety concerns.

“This power vests only with the Queensland Police Service and we need more officers on the ground to manage this situation.

“Some of our public spaces are now too unsafe or inaccessible for residents of our City and our staff.

“I have contacted Premier Crisafulli and Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor and written to Minister for Police, Daniel Purdie for more support.

“We know that this is a tough situation, and over many years, Council has sought to take a balanced approach but enough is enough."

The Mayor called on the State Government to "return parks and open spaces to our communities" by "providing homes for those forced to sleep rough and increasing law enforcement to remove individuals compromising the safety and amenity of these areas for our broader community".