Residents fear popular park could become a tent city

It started with one tent — now there are six. Residents fear this seaside park could soon become a tent city if the local government doesn’t step in soon.

Residents are not happy with this man who has been camping at Scotts Point/Progress Park for two years.

Residents fear Progress Park, at Woody Point, north of Brisbane could soon become a tent city if the Moreton Bay Regional Council does not act soon.

In August Quest Community Newspapers reported that a resident had complained to the council multiple times about a person camping at the popular park.

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Residents are not happy with the number of people camping illegally at Progress Park at Woody Point.

Another resident, who also did not wish to be named, says the problem has only continued to get worse. She said there were now up to six tents set up in the park.

“However as I predicted it has attracted other homeless and is in danger of becoming a tent city,” she said.

The woman said she knew there was no “easy fix” for homelessness.

“I believe they need to be moved on as they are becoming a safety and health hazard,” she said.

“I have heard from residents, who want to remain anonymous, who are scared to enter the park now and are concerned for their safety.

“It is a complex issue that can only be resolved if many parties are willing to find a solution.”

A Moreton Bay Regional Council spokesman said council was aware of the issue.

“These individuals have been referred to the Department of Housing and Public Works and specialised housing and homelessness services,” the spokesman said.

Residents are not happy with the number of people camping illegally at Progress Park.

“This is part of a referral process that has been put in place by Council to help those in need.

“All matters regarding illegal behaviour are referred to the Queensland Police Service as the appropriate regulatory authority to deal with such issues.”

The spokesman said the council was working with local support services and relevant government agencies to respond to instances of homelessness across the region.

“Between January and June 2019, council referred 21 people experiencing homelessness to the Department of Housing and public Works and local support services for assistance. As a result, 10 people have obtained housing,” the spokesman said.

“Council will continue to advocate for increased investment in housing and homelessness initiatives in the Moreton Bay Region.”

There is currently no safe place for the homeless on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Plans to build a drop-in centre were quashed earlier this year when the group behind it disbanded.

The Breakfast Club of Redcliffe and After Dark Saints run an outreach program, providing food and other items to those living on the streets.

Residents are not happy with this man who has been camping at Scotts Point/Progress Park for two years.

The Breakfast Club also links homeless people with other support services including the housing department, Centerlink and health care.

A department of housing spokesman told Quest Community Newspapers earlier this year that as of July 31, 2019, there were 1816 people on the waiting list for social housing in the Moreton Bay Region (it is important to note not all of those applicants will be homeless).