Advocates are rejoicing after a Queensland council has made the extraordinary decision to establish a free campsite to help an explosion of Aussies doing it tough and forced to sleep rough.
But Nourish Street founder and president Beau Haywood told Yahoo News that while the plan was welcome, it could “explode” without proper support and management.
“Homelessness is not one single group of people,” Beau said.
“You can potentially have families with children, elderly people experiencing significant mental health issues, people battling addiction, and vulnerable women all staying in the same area.”
Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood backed the free camp as a better approach for rough sleepers. Source: Supplied/Google Maps
What is the council’s plan for the free campsite?
For over 12 months, the City of Moreton Bay has grappled with an increasing homeless population.
This week, it voted unanimously to establish a 60-site camping ground for a 12-month trial.
The site is expected to open within three weeks following a land management plan, increased security and CCTV.
It will be available to everyone, including people experiencing homelessness, as a voluntary, no-cost camping option.
The site will have toilets and refuse facilities and be monitored by CCTV and regular security patrols.
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City of Moreton bay has grappled with an influx in illegal camping in recent years. Source: ABC/Courier Mail
Advocates question how campsite will be run by council
For Haywood, the site at Wyllie Park in Petrie was “a far better approach than simply moving people from park to park”.
Beau said he supports the concept but believes the council should start on a smaller scale.
Queensland councils face growing homelessness pressure, Mayor Peter Flannery says public parks are under increasing strain. Source: Supplied
“I would have probably have, you know, had 20 tent sites, seeing how it goes before increasing it to a maximum of 60,” he said.
“If it works, look, it’s fantastic, and it could be a great model for other councils, but it also has the potential to explode and go south real quick.”
He said regular access to healthcare, mental health and addiction services, housing assistance and help navigating government services would be critical.
“A safe place to pitch a tent is a positive short-term measure, but it cannot become a permanent holding ground for people experiencing homelessness,” he said.
‘There has to be a bit of order’
Alexander, 30, who is already living at Wyllie Park with his pregnant partner, said the move could provide stability, but rules would be needed.
“I’m glad to hear that they’re going to try and do something for us because it’s only getting worse,” he told the Courier Mail.
“If it’s going to become a proper site, there should be rules. There has to be a bit of order.”
City of Moreton Bay announced that a new free camping site for tents would be provided at Wyllie Park, Petrie. Source: Moreton Bay
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Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the site was not intended to replace crisis accommodation or longer-term housing.
“The State Government is responsible for crisis accommodation and longer-term community housing, but the Council faces increased pressure on its public parks from people experiencing homelessness,” he said in a statement.
“We have listened to our residents, and those groups who work in this area, and felt the need to provide a free option for those homeless who can no longer stay in our public parks and spaces.”
Community organisation Encircle welcomed the decision, saying it could provide people sleeping rough with stability close to support services.
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