Gold Coast City Council issues move on notice at homeless encampment in Southport

Police and council officers have issued move on notices to at least 10 individuals at a major homeless encampment in Southport. SEE THE VIDEO

Police and council officers have issued move on notices to at least 10 individuals at a major homeless encampment in Southport.

Four council vans and two police officers on dirt bikes swarmed Eleanor Perkins Park on Wednesday at around 9.30am, issuing the notices and photographing occupants.

Two council vans moved back to back in an apparent attempt to block a Gold Coast Bulletin photographer and reporter.

Gold Coast City Council officers and Police arrive at a tent city in Southport, handing out breach notices and photographing occupants in an attempt to move on the makeshift camp. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Multiple occupants were seen leaving the site – some with their belongings and visibly upset – while others could be seen moving piles of shopping trolleys, rubbish and tidying the general vicinity.

A person carries belongings from the site. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A spokesperson for Gold Coast City Council on Wednesday said the City continues to utilise its full legislative powers under the Local Law to manage public spaces.

“City Officers, in conjunction with Queensland Police Service, are progressing compliance action to address breaches of local law,” they said.

Council officers and police speaking to campers at the makeshift site. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“Move on directions have been issued to individuals on site, and some individuals have received compliance notices to comply with the local law.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Housing confirmed the department’s Critical Response Team attended Eleanor Perkins Park on Wednesday alongside city council and police officers.

The move on notices come weeks after council officers attended Eleanor Perkins Park and the associated area to begin “compliance action”.

People at the camp on Wednesday morning. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

At the time Southport councillor Brooke Patterson said move on directions had been issued to several individuals breaching local law, while the state’s Department of Housing had been “working on the ground” offering housing support to anyone willing to speak with them.

Items surrounding the makeshift camp. Picture Glenn Hampson

In June, Carey Park campers were evicted in a major crackdown by council backed by police.

Many of the campers moved from Carey Park to Eleanor Perkins Park, which sparked concern among locals given its proximity to Southport Primary School.

A man arrives with shopping as council units arrive. Picture Glenn Hampson

A Department of Housing spokesperson said anyone in the Gold Coast region who requires housing assistance can contact state-funded Specialist Homelessness Services or visit or call the Gold Coast Housing Service Centre on 5645 8100.

The move comes two days after Gold Coast council officers removed a tent which was spotted on top of a picnic shelter sporting penthouse views in Burleigh Heads.

The tent which was spotted on top of a picnic shelter sporting penthouse views in Burleigh Heads. Picture Glenn Hampson

On Monday, residents called on the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) to take action over an illegal camper who appeared perched on a picnic shelter at the bottom of Burleigh Hill.

City officers were on site hours after this masthead approached the GCCC for a comment in regards to the illegal camper.

Originally published as Gold Coast City Council issues move on notice at homeless encampment in Southport