'Grave concern' as Wagga Wagga's homeless threatened with $1,100 fines

Wagga Wagga City Council has warned homeless individuals living at a campground near the city centre they could face fines of up to $1,100 if they do not vacate the site by July 28. The decision has sparked outrage among local advocacy groups, who argue the approach treats a complex social issue as a legal compliance matter rather than addressing underlying welfare needs. The council’s move follows a series of compliance action notices issued two weeks earlier, directing residents of Wilks Park to relocate. This initiative was part of a broader state government effort to tackle homelessness, intensified after the tragic death of an infant at a nearby encampment. Despite these efforts, critics say the strategy lacks sensitivity to the personal circumstances of those affected. Vickie Burkinshaw, president of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, expressed deep concern over the council’s approach. She emphasized that the situation should be viewed through a welfare lens, not one of strict adherence to rules. “We’re treating it as a compliance issue,” she stated, highlighting the disconnect between policy and the real-life challenges faced by the homeless population. Rachael Vorhauer, a resident of Wilks Park for over three years, described the notices as a catalyst for her relocation to Sydney. She explained that the threat of fines pushed her to seek more stable housing elsewhere. “I’m not in Wilks Park because I want to be,” she said. “It was a leap of faith to come to Sydney.” Vorhauer has been homeless for nine years, with three of those years spent at the campground. While she was offered both temporary housing in Wagga Wagga and Sydney, her path to permanent residence remains uncertain. She currently resides in temporary accommodations in Sydney, expressing hope that the city offers more robust support systems compared to Wagga Wagga. Homes NSW clarified that there is no set time limit for staying in temporary housing, provided individuals continue to engage with their support plans. State Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson previously informed the ABC that every person camping at Wilks Park and Wagga Beach had been offered housing. However, the effectiveness of such offers remains questionable, particularly given the ongoing struggles of many residents. Council General Manager Peter Thompson defended the decision, stating that the council sought legal guidance prior to issuing the notices. He suggested that the potential for regulatory action might encourage individuals to accept available support. “The knowledge that we will eventually exercise some form of regulatory power might incentivise them to take up the opportunities being provided to them,” he said. However, legal experts and advocacy groups remain skeptical. Kira Levin, principal solicitor at the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service, voiced serious reservations about the punitive nature of the measures. “We have grave concerns about forcibly removing people,” she said. “We don’t think fining people is going to result in anything positive.” Levin argued that individualized support is far more effective than coercive tactics, and that temporary housing solutions often fail to offer lasting stability. Vorhauer, despite her current uncertainty, remains hopeful. “I came down with a suitcase and, as it turns out, I’m still here,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey and the ongoing search for a secure place to call home.