Homeless moved on from Lions Park under threat of $7k fine

After staying for months in a haunt frequently used by refugees from the housing crisis, Bundaberg council has issued homeless people with ‘move on’ notices weeks before Christmas.

Numbers of homeless people staying at a council park have dwindled in the weeks leading up to Christmas as council officers have ordered people to move on or risk being subject to a hefty fine.

Shirtless in the December midday heat, Doug was fiddling with the solar panel regulator in the back of his station wagon parked in Bundaberg’s Hinkler Lions Tourist Park.

“It’s not keeping it charged enough to run my fridge, the battery might be stuffed; I don’t know why,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration as his dog, Slash, ran around his feet.

Doug, 60, has been homeless for two years after being evicted from the house he was renting with his wife in Elliot Heads.

“We were there for five years, never missed a day’s rent, and then when I called to see where the new lease is the real estate agent said ‘oh that’s right Doug, the owners want you to get out because they’re going to knock it down and build a new house’,” he said.

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With his wife suffering from an intellectual disability, Doug’s marriage could not withstand the strain of searching for a new place to live and they separated, leaving him without the carer’s pension that was his main source of income.

Hinkler Lions Tourist Park is a 24-hour rest area located on the main thoroughfare from the Bruce Highway to the Bundaberg CBD.

Unable to find or afford any rental accommodation, Doug lived in a “dilapidated van” at Strathdees Boat Ramp until council officers told him he had to leave so they could dispose of the van.

Adding insult to injury, Doug said the officers issued him with a $1500 fine for illegal dumping of rubbish, which he is paying off in weekly payments of $20.

Since then, Doug has stayed in various haunts commonly used by homeless people around Bundaberg including Hinkler Lions Park, one of the more favourable options due to the availability of public toilets and drinking water.

But even this park has become a less viable option, with council recently removing the tap handle and placing it under lock and key, accessible only to people with mobile homes.

“I reckon they’ve done that in spite, just to get rid of the homeless,” Doug said.

“It’s an eyesore, this is the entrance to Bundy.

“Apparently there’s a sign somewhere saying ‘welcome to Bundy, the friendly town’.”

“Well bulls —t, it’s the most evil council on earth.”

For drivers travelling along Childers Road, the main thoroughfare from the Bruce Highway to the Bundaberg CBD, Hinkler Lions Park is the most potent reminder of the housing crisis gripping the region, often occupied by homeless people living in tents, mobile homes or, like Doug, staying in their cars.

But numbers have dwindled in recent weeks as council officers have enforced the 24-hour limitation for staying at the park, ordering people to move on or risk being subject to a hefty fine.

Single mother Kimberley Freebairn, who had been staying in the park along with her seven-year-old daughter since Easter, was served by two council officers with a compliance notice on December 7 ordering her to vacate the park within four days, and to “stop sleeping, occupying or remaining in Council Parks ... without permission” or risk a $7,740 fine.

Single mother and homeless advocate Kimberley Freebairn was upset that people are being made to move on without any provisions for an alternative location.

Now staying at the Bundaberg North Dog Park under the Tallon Bridge, Ms Freebairn, 37, has made complaints to council and Bundaberg MP Tom Smith, upset that homeless are being asked to move on to avoid any negative impressions on visitors to the region without any provisions for an alternative location.

“It’s because it’s Christmas, I’m not silly,” she said.

“It was Easter last time; they want it to look good for all the tourists who come through.

“If you want to fix this problem, find somewhere for them to go.”

Despite her situation, worsened by a severe epileptic condition that requires regular care, Ms Freebairn feels fortunate that she is able to receive some assistance from her family and prefers to act as an advocate for other homeless people in the area.

Since receiving the compliance notice she has made complaints to council and ALP Bundaberg MP Tom Smith, questioning the validity of the threatened fines and questioning the timing of the ‘move on’ notices so close to Christmas.

The compliance notice issued to Ms Freebairn ordered her to vacate the park within four days or risk being subject to a fine of more than $7000.

“I want to speak for the others, it pisses me off,” she said.

“It’s harassment, they’re harassing us and they are putting stress on me.

“I’ve got young ones to look after, I’ve got family to look after.”

Bundaberg council did not comment on Ms Freebairn’s individual case nor explain why the notices are being issued shortly before Christmas, but reiterated the purpose of Hinkler Lions Park as a 24-hour rest area and said the primary responsibility for addressing homelessness in the region lies with the state and federal governments.

“Hinkler Lions Park is a 24-hour, overnight stay, driver fatigue management-oriented site and only has basic toilet amenities,” said council CEO Steve Johnston.

Bundaberg Council CEO Steve Johnston said the primary responsibility for addressing homelessness in the region lies with the state and federal governments.

“Council is aware that many people within our community are impacted by the housing and homelessness crisis.

“The current housing and homelessness issue requires a multi-agency response and Council is actively participating as a stakeholder in the Bundaberg Housing and Homelessness Forum which is looking at ways to address the myriad of issues the various impacted residents may be facing.

“However, this problem is not unique to our region and while we stand ready and willing to help the primary responsibility for these matters lies with the State and Federal Governments.

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“Bundaberg Regional Council officers are actively engaged in discussions with the homeless community about what avenues of support are available.

“Due to the increased volume of people utilising rest stop areas beyond their short-term intended purpose, Council has developed a procedure which deals with each situation on a case-by-case basis with a priority on community safety and assisting those most in need.”

Mr Smith did not respond to requests for comment by deadline.