{"id":71750,"date":"2026-08-14T05:17:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/71750\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T05:17:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:17:27","slug":"councils-extraordinary-move-to-help-aussies-doing-it-tough-with-free-campsite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/71750\/","title":{"rendered":"Council’s extraordinary move to help Aussies doing it tough with free campsite"},"content":{"rendered":"

Advocates <\/a>are rejoicing after a Queensland council<\/a> has made the extraordinary decision to establish a free campsite to help an explosion of Aussies doing it tough and forced to sleep rough<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But Nourish Street founder and president Beau Haywood<\/a> told Yahoo News that while the plan was welcome, it could “explode” without proper support and management.<\/p>\n

“Homelessness is not one single group of people,” Beau said.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\"Beau<\/p>\n

Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood backed the free camp as a better approach for rough sleepers. Source: Supplied\/Google Maps<\/p>\n

What is the council’s plan for the free campsite?<\/p>\n

For over 12 months, the City of Moreton Bay has grappled with an increasing homeless population.<\/p>\n

This week, it voted unanimously to establish a 60-site camping ground<\/a> for a 12-month trial.<\/p>\n

The site is expected to open within three weeks following a land management plan, increased security and CCTV.<\/p>\n

It will be available to everyone, including people experiencing homelessness, as a voluntary, no-cost camping option.<\/p>\n

The site will have toilets and refuse facilities and be monitored by CCTV and regular security patrols.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story about sleeping rough? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tents<\/p>\n

City of Moreton bay has grappled with an influx in illegal camping in recent years. Source: ABC\/Courier Mail<\/p>\n

Advocates question how campsite will be run by council<\/p>\n

For Haywood, the site at Wyllie Park in Petrie was “a far better approach than simply moving people from park to park”.<\/p>\n

Beau said he supports the concept but believes the council should start on a smaller scale.<\/p>\n

\"People<\/p>\n

Queensland councils face growing homelessness pressure, Mayor Peter Flannery says public parks are under increasing strain. Source: Supplied<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

He said regular access to healthcare, mental health and addiction services, housing assistance and help navigating government services would be critical.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

‘There has to be a bit of order’<\/p>\n

Alexander, 30, who is already living at Wyllie Park with his pregnant partner, said the move could provide stability, but rules would be needed.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/a><\/p>\n

“If it’s going to become a proper site, there should be rules. There has to be a bit of order.”<\/p>\n

\"Overview<\/p>\n

City of Moreton Bay announced that a new free camping site for tents would be provided at Wyllie Park, Petrie. Source: Moreton Bay<\/p>\n

RELATED<\/p>\n

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said the site was not intended to replace crisis accommodation or longer-term housing.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

Community organisation Encircle welcomed the decision, saying it could provide people sleeping rough with stability close to support services.<\/p>\n

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