The Glitter Strip’s homeless crisis fully exposed with agencies at a loss for a solution

These more luxury camp sites - boasting a wedding-style gazebo - has exposed the Gold Coast’s accommodation crisis, and the complexity among agencies. SEE INSIDE THE CAMPS

The new tents for the homeless were given when they left the Set Free Care community hub in the CBD after Cyclone Alfred. Until then rough sleepers were mostly hidden.

So these more luxury camp sites - Southport’s Carey Park boasts a wedding-style gazebo - exposed first the size of the accommodation crisis, and now complexity among agencies.

Why is there a stand-off, a failure of intervention at all levels, is the much bigger story.

State Housing estimate they engaged with 186 people during Alfred, not all needing shelter — about 29 from 20 households were given temporary or emergency accommodation.

Matangirau Hira, known as “Uncz” to the homeless and their spokesperson, estimates about 70 people are in Southport without shelter.

Southport resident Sarah Arbiter who asked council to intervene knows each camp is different.

The tents and gazebo at Carey Park. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

At Carey Park, a plastic privacy sheet was put up between a tree and the main camp.

“We saw several members bring their own bucket - God only knows where the contents were dispersed,” Mr Arbiter says.

But nearby Overell, Macintosh Island along with Matron and Sister Higman parks - walkers and families are keeping their distance.

“I also understand that some of these homeless are in this situation through no fault of their own. But, others are not and they can be aggressive and dangerous. This isn’t something that can be left unattended,” Ms Arbiter says.

At Carey Park, “Uncz” has welcomed support. Many there are Kiwi blokes. Among them a young man just released from prison with nowhere to go who arrived at night.

Matangirau 'Uncz' Hira in front of the cleaned up homeless camp in Carey Park. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

An older woman, living in a high-rise apartment, opposite the park, brought some hot pasta.

Council has stuck “abandoned goods” notices on the belongings of the homeless. The City can remove those goods if left on its land - but not the person who owns them.

Cops have those powers, but are reluctant under human rights laws to move people on given the majority of them are not offending.

Standing outside the marquee is Billy, a 54-year-old Kiwi who brought his daughter to Australia 20 years ago for “a better her life.

His daughter returned home and “family” can accommodate only so many under one roof.

“I have no criminal convictions. We all have mental health issues here,” he says.

Across the highway is the Anzac memorial overlooking the Broadwater.

Police visit the homeless camp next to Ada Bell Way. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Billy talks about the cost of citizenship, challenges in getting benefits - just the red tape which lead many to return to the street, and now the parks.

“Anzac is New Zealand and Australia. We’re the only two countries who joined forces to help each other,” he says.

Inside the gazebo, Ellen Long, the operations manager at Set Free Care, is still ensuring services are checking in. She is watching over a pot of boiling water for a cuppa.

“To be honest, there’s not a lot being done (by authorities). I’m really concerned that this city has not taken the rough sleepers into account,” she says.

We are finally finding everyone visiting or inside the same tent. Time for a solution.

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