City of Moreton Bay hires security for staff to clean bins near homeless camps

Moreton Bay council claims violence and threats to life has forced them to hire private security staff to protect workers on clean-up duties near homeless camps.

Bins overflowing near an area where homeless people have been camping. Photo: Supplied

A Queensland council has hired private security for workers on clean-up duties over alleged violence and threats to life near homeless camps.

It comes after they ordered workers to stay 50m from facilities near homeless encampments.

In a statement, the City of Moreton Bay said private security would accompany members of the council’s operations team to clean up sites, after they were previously ordered to stay 50m away from sites where homeless people and those illegally camping are residing.

It comes after reports emerged of overflowing bins and toilets not being cleaned for more than a week.

Private security Southern Cross Protection spotted near a homeless site at Redcliffe in the City of Moreton Bay. Photo: Supplied

“Over the last 12 months, the number of complaints regarding People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) and illegal camping has doubled,” the statement said.

“As a result of ongoing interactions involving some People Experiencing Homelessness and some people who are camping illegally, all Operations and Safety staff have been instructed to remain 50 metres away from PEH and illegal camp sites in public spaces.

“These interactions include escalating violence, aggression and life-threatening situations towards Council staff and members of the public.

“City of Moreton Bay has zero tolerance on aggression and violence towards its employees, and this measure complies with a recent Workplace Health and Safety Queensland order.

“This has resulted in some delays in regular servicing of bins and amenities in public spaces.

“To address the safety challenges of the service, from 30 December 2024, security will accompany Council staff to service public spaces where it is possible and safe to do so.

 “Our staff work hard year-round, especially during the busy holiday season, to keep our parks, beaches, and public spaces clean and well-maintained.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to maintain essential services and create safer public spaces for everyone.”

Tents at Woody Point on December 30. Picture: Richard Walker

The founder of community initiative Nourish Street Beau Haywood described the move as a “knee-jerk reaction” from City of Moreton Bay, following the passing of recent bylaws to prohibit homeless people from keeping pets in public spaces.

“I don’t quite understand the reasoning behind this,” Mr Haywood said.

“It might be a way of potentially stopping any sort of safety issues that they might perceive, but you know I am yet to see anyone be abused or mistreated from anyone homeless.”

Beau Haywood from 'Nourish Street' at tents at Woody Point. Photo: Richard Walker

Mr Haywood said facilities near where homeless people were living were also used by members of the public.

“You can see for yourself, the general public don’t have an issue coming into these areas,” he said as members of the public walked near the area.

“The general public do use these facilities and with the council deciding that they don’t want to go anywhere near it for safety concerns, that then becomes a general health concern for not just homeless people, but the entire community.”

Jaki Rose at her tent at Woody Point. Photo: Richard Walker

Jaki Rose, who has been homeless for several years after a marriage breakdown, said prior to security being hired, the move resulted in people experiencing homelessness having to clean the area themselves.

“Well, it’s our home right?” Ms Rose said.

“Not cleaning the facilities and letting the rubbish pile up is not just dangerous for us, it’s dangerous for the general public.

“It’s not just about us.”

Homeless people cleaning up rubbish. Photo: Supplied

A homeless woman over the age of 55 who works in the service sector, Ms Rose added that she felt safe in the part of Redcliffe where she was currently sleeping rough.

“I feel safe here,” she said.

“I haven’t seen any punches thrown, haven’t seen knives pulled.

“The place might have had a reputation in the past and it might not be like what it is right now, but yeah this is a safe place.”

Originally published as City of Moreton Bay hires security for staff to clean bins near homeless camps