How the homeless are leaving the CBD and camping at footy club changerooms

The homeless are moving out of the CBD and spilling into suburbia within easy reach of children. This is real safety concern, writes columnist Paul Weston.

The homeless are moving out of the CBD, spilling into suburbia and camping in the toilets of junior sporting clubs.

The issue surfaced after a Facebook dispute between outspoken civic campaigner Nikki Archer and Southport councillor Brooke Patterson.

After Ms Archer complained about Cr Patterson on her private Facebook page, one of her 125 “followers”, a Southport Tigers rugby league parent, responded.

Cr Brooke Patterson says “homelessness is a state issue, but we do all the heavy lifting”. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Lived in and around Southport my whole life and never seen it look so bad, including the recession in the early 90s,” the Tigers dad wrote.

“The number of homeless is through the roof, shops closed, parks full of vagrants and drunks.

“Local sporting groups being used as hotels by homeless. The oldest sporting club in Southport, whose former patron was Dawn (Crichlow), has invited the councillor to every official function the club has held since the election in 2020 and she has not turned up once.”

What is going on at Owen Park, Southport’s biggest sporting precinct?

The dad told your columnist: “We move the homeless bloke on but he keeps coming back. He did a shit on the footpath in front of one of the junior’s sheds.”

Southport business manager and resident Dale Anderson took photos showing the homelessness problem in Southport CBD. They are now sheltering at sporting grounds.

At an Ashmore field, also in Cr Patterson’s division, a van is permanently parked in the car park outside. The toilet block offers showers.

At dusk, old sedans start arriving, full of old suitcases and fast-food wrappers. Coaches must wait for parents to pick up their kids.

Is council keeping a safety check on these areas?

“Yes, the City has introduced a Public Space Liaison Officer program,” Cr Patterson replied.

“In the period January to June this year, the City’s PSLOs have conducted more than 5000 interactions with those experiencing homelessness, with more than 400 individuals supported since the program’s inception 18 months ago.”

Cr Patterson added the homeless were the prime responsibility of the Palaszczuk government.

Council insiders agree. “Homelessness is a state issue,” a source said.

“But we do all the heavy lifting. We’re the only council in Australia that has a homeless action plan.”

Is Cr Patterson concerned about the safety of children?

“Public safety is primarily a matter for the state government,” she replied. “The City works closely with sports clubs that lease and manage City facilities.”

Homeless asleep in the cold empty streets of Southport in the early hours of the morning. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The council conducted design audits of public areas and had an extensive CCTV network.

“If residents have specific concerns regarding the safety of themselves or others, they are encouraged to call Queensland Police Service on triple-0,” Cr Patterson added.

This much is clear. The homeless are finding more secluded spots than the streets of the CBD where they will be moved on.

Volunteers at sporting clubs are discovering their new haunts.

Council is the level of government closest to the people.

Cr Patterson recently wrote on her Facebook page: “If there is something you believe I need to be made aware of you are very welcome to come and meet me face-to-face. I have heard suggestions via Facebook that I will not speak to certain groups.

Homeless store their belongings under a giant tarp outside the entrance to Southport TAFE in the middle of town at Nerang Street, Southport. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Just so you have it from the horse’s mouth, that is absolutely not true. I have never declined a request for a meeting.”

Cr Patterson needs to meet with the Southport Tigers. Alternative accommodation is needed for the homeless other than change rooms, only open during the day, so footpaths don’t become a public toilet at night.

From my childhood memory, club grounds were purpose-built for kids to kick a footy.

Follow @PaulWestonGC