Queensland’s Moreton Bay Council has approved a 12-month trial to convert Wyllie Park in Petrie into a dedicated homeless camp, offering 60 free sites for individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative aims to provide a structured, supervised environment where people can stay overnight with access to basic amenities such as toilets, bins, a barbecue, and running water. The park, located near the University of Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus and The Mill Waterpark, is already known for informal camping, and the council claims the new setup will improve safety and oversight through CCTV monitoring and round-the-clock security. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions around homelessness in the region, particularly following a Supreme Court ruling in March that found the council had violated the human rights of homeless individuals by forcibly evicting them from public parks in 2025. During that eviction, rangers and Queensland police used excavators to dismantle shelters and remove personal belongings, an action that sparked widespread criticism. The court’s judgment underscored the need for more humane and legally compliant approaches to managing homelessness. Mayor Peter Flannery emphasized that the camp is not a substitute for long-term housing solutions. Speaking to reporters, he stated that the trial would allow for centralized support services and better integration of resources for rough sleepers. “Rather than being scattered across our whole city, let's get them into one location where they can be supported and have some safety,” he said. Flannery acknowledged that the council had learned from past mistakes, including the court’s findings, and that this trial was meant to provide a safer alternative for those without shelter. However, not everyone views the plan as a positive step. Beau Haywood, founder of Nourish Street, a local charity that provides meals and supplies to homeless individuals, expressed skepticism. He noted that the trial fails to address the diverse and complex needs of the homeless population, which includes families with children, the elderly, individuals with mental health challenges, and those struggling with addiction. “Homelessness is not a single group of people,” Haywood said. “You could potentially have families with children, elderly people, people experiencing significant mental health issues, people battling addiction, vulnerable women all staying in one area.” Haywood also criticized the lack of consultation between the council and local charities, stating that Nourish Street, which regularly distributes food to over 174 sites in the area, was not included in discussions about the trial. “We’re one of the largest [charities] in this area. So, it was a bit disappointing once again that no-one was really sort of spoken to about what was happening or how it was going to be addressed,” he said. He further warned that limiting the number of available sites to 60 might not be sufficient to meet the region’s urgent needs, especially given the current scale of homelessness. Meanwhile, Councillor Jim Moloney highlighted the rapid increase in homelessness in Queensland, noting that the number of people at risk of or experiencing homelessness has nearly doubled in less than three years. Despite the delivery of 446 social homes and the construction of another 716 units in Moreton Bay, demand continues to outpace supply. Moloney stressed that councils are not equipped to handle the broader health and welfare crises associated with homelessness, urging the state government to prioritize crisis accommodation, outreach services, mental health support, and healthcare infrastructure. The trial is set to begin shortly, with plans to implement a mandatory registration system, designated campsites, and clear operational guidelines. While the council insists the measure is necessary to protect both the homeless population and the wider community, critics argue that it represents a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution to the deeper systemic issues driving homelessness. As the trial unfolds, the debate over how best to address the crisis is likely to continue, with calls for greater investment in affordable housing and comprehensive support systems.
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