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Tent City 2.0: Gold Coast residents want action as homelessness crisis deepens

A homeless encampment’s relocation near a primary school has ignited community concerns over safety and sanitation, and the ongoing struggle to address the city’s homelessness crisis.

Southport’s tent city has moved from Carey Park to Eleanor Perkins Park, sparking concern among locals as the homeless community sets up a stone’s throw away from a primary school.

Locals insist the mounting concern isn’t about taking a swipe at people in need, but rather the health and safety risks associated with mounting rubbish and visible drug paraphernalia in an area so close to children.

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

Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Community advocate Jenna Schroeder said the homelessness crisis was spreading, with more and more tents popping up around neighbouring suburb Labrador.

As administrator for the Labrador 4215 Facebook page, Ms Schroeder said the issue of tents at the Broadwater and around sports fields continued to be raised.

“Sadly, it does seem to be increasing, which isn’t surprising when people were moved on from places like Carey Park with nowhere else to go,” she said.

“What’s frustrating is seeing that while there’s a growing number of people sleeping rough, our politicians are arguing about who gets the credit for housing projects, or are spending time and money changing bunting colours around housing sites from maroon to blue.”

Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The Crisafulli government quietly changed the colour of Queensland’s coat of arms – from maroon to blue – to align closer with the LNP brand, which saw the bunting colours on a 200 unit social housing project in Southport, awarded under the former Labor government, changed.

“I don’t think the community want to see bickering and branding battles between political parties, they care about people having somewhere safe to sleep,” Ms Schroeder said.

The community advocate, like many others across the Coast, said an immediate response to the crisis is needed.

Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson
Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

“We need innovative, compassionate, and practical solutions and all levels of government to work together on this crisis,” she said.

“Months after the Carey Park issue, we don’t seem to be any closer to immediate solutions.”

Nearby residents say they have “no problem” with people “doing it hard”, but it’s about doing the “right thing” with one saying: “Australia is turning into a third world country, fast.”

In a local community forum one resident said the city’s parks were turning into “trash sites” with another adding: “What do people expect? They keep getting moved on instead of any solutions. Homeless people don’t disappear because you can’t see them.”

Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson
Eleanor Perkins Park in Southport. Picture Glenn Hampson

Southport councillor Brooke Patterson confirmed council officers had attended Eleanor Perkins Park and the associated area and begun compliance action.

“Move on directions have been issued to several individuals breaching local law,” she said.

“City officers and QPS will continue to focus on this area until compliance is achieved.”

The state’s Department of Housing had been on site, providing “support services alongside the compliance action”.

Tent city has popped up again in Southport, this time near a school. Picture: Facebook
Tent city has popped up again in Southport, this time near a school. Picture: Facebook

A department spokesperson said the department’s critical response team had been working on the ground across the Gold Coast area, offering housing support to “every person willing to speak with us”.

“On the Gold Coast, including Southport, the Critical Response Team conducts weekly outreach with Specialist Homelessness Services provider UnitingCare Queensland,” the spokesperson said.

A sharps disposal kit, Eleanor Perkins Park. Picture: Facebook
A sharps disposal kit, Eleanor Perkins Park. Picture: Facebook

“Additionally, the 2025-26 State Budget has committed almost $590m across five years in additional statewide funding for critical support for people experiencing homelessness and for frontline services.”

Originally published as Tent City 2.0: Gold Coast residents want action as homelessness crisis deepens

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gold-coast/tent-city-20-gold-coast-residents-want-action-as-homelessness-crisis-deepens/news-story/01c3d3a47651a1913478ed9833c06d5d