Moreton Bay locals outraged as beloved Woody Point lookout trashed

A beloved Moreton Bay lookout has been left in “squalor” after being overrun by a homeless camp and strewn with litter, clothing, ripped tents and trolleys, sparking outrage among locals.

Moreton Bay locals are outraged that the park has been trashed.

Moreton Bay residents have expressed their disgust as a popular lookout has been reduced to “squalor” after a homeless camp was established there.

The Gayundah Coastal Arboretum site at Woody Point has been left with litter, clothing, ripped tents and trolleys strewn across it, with the City of Moreton Bay Council calling it a grave and costly concern.

A photo of the destroyed site was posted to social media and received hundreds of comments from Woody Point locals who claimed one of the region’s most adored lookouts had been “destroyed”.

A Redcliffe mother of two said she didn’t realise the extent of the mess until she drove to the site on Saturday.

“I drove down with the kids as it was always one of our favourite spots,” the mother said.

“It was crazy and we drove away.

A Woody Point resident said he no longer felt safe driving through the area.

“It’s so sad. Live there but respect it and don’t carry on when people come to enjoy the view to.”

Another resident said he no longer felt safe driving through the area.

“They have ruined that area, you don’t feel safe driving through it,” the man said.

“They have no care for their surroundings or how nice that area should be.

“Even the council must feel unsafe in that space as it also has a memorial.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said this disgusting behaviour could not continue.

“When public spaces are misused, resulting in serious health and safety risks, and destruction of property, Council will unequivocally act to protect the broader community and Council assets,” Cr Flannery said.

“Of primary concern has been the serious assaults on staff, residents and those who assist people experiencing homelessness with food deliveries and other supports.

Mayor Peter Flannery said this disgusting behaviour could not continue.

“Council will continue to support people experiencing homelessness doing the right thing, but this disgusting behaviour cannot continue.”

Cr Flannery said he was appalled to see the “once beautiful” site strewn with garbage that locals fear to visit.

“Council recently conducted a public health review of the site. We are aware the area will need to be cleared, and the site rehabilitated in the near future, at an enormous cost to Council,” he said.

“We will work with people experiencing homelessness... however, we have heard loud and clear the community concerns about this site and will act.”

Cr Flannery said homelessness was costing local ratepayers more than $2 million per year, just in operational costs.

“Council does not have the statutory powers to move people on from public spaces however with the continued support of QPS and other stakeholders, we will work to ensure we respond to community concerns while also maintaining compassion and support for people experiencing homelessness,” he said.

Originally published as Moreton Bay locals outraged as beloved Woody Point lookout trashed