‘Bad look’: Homeless move in to Kirribilli and Milsons Point

There has been an influx of homeless people sleeping rough in one of Australia’s most affluent postcodes, and it’s sparking a fierce debate amongst locals.

An influx of homeless people sleeping rough in one of the nation’s most affluent areas has sparked fierce debate amongst locals.

North Sydney Council has reportedly been brought in to investigate an increase in homeless people setting up camp in Milsons Point and Kirribilli.

Locals have complained about the damage to grass being done by tents, with one resident complaining “it’s not a good look”.

“We’re all very aware it’s such a tricky social issue but if there was a park opposite you, would you want someone camping there?,” local Julia Connor told the North Shore times.

There were mixed emotions on an online Kirribilli community group. Picture: Richard Dobson

Former North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson said recent tents in the area could set a “precedent” which could lead to more tents “dominating” local parks.

She said she had been contacted by numerous locals wanting the small but growing homeless population gone.

“A lot of residents are contacting me saying they are concerned this will set a precedent and we’ll have tents dominating our parks which some people see as problematic,” she said.

“They’re scared and think it’s inappropriate and Bradfield Park could be turned into some sort of tent city. There are also concerns the tents on the grass could kill off the lawn.”

One of the rough sleepers, a 33-year-old former teacher Thomas Hardy-Burstow, pleaded for compassion from residents.

33-year-old homeless man Thomas Hardy-Burstow said he’s been sleeping rough for some months and has recently moved to a spot at Bradfield Park at Milsons Point having left Bondi due to safety concerns. Picture: Richard Dobson

After being shuffled around for months, he said he’d settled in Milsons Point for access to public transport, public amenities, safety and kind strangers.

“Before I was here I was sleeping on the beach at Bondi for a month but there was a grouchy couple who complained and I got moved on,” he said.

“Kirribilli is good, there’s public transport and services and you’d be surprised how many people who come and help.

“It’s been quite cold sometimes at night but I’ve got a sleeping bag and warm blankets so it’s been all right.”

Ms Connor told News Corp the number of homeless people in the area had been growing.

“We have three or four permanent people sleeping in the area but it’s the first time I’ve seen a tent in the park and it’s much more recent and much larger,” she said.

“I’ve had calls from residents saying ‘what’s going on’ and are concerned it’s not a good look outside their buildings.”

Kirribilli residents took to a local online community group to air their frustrations, but also support, for the homelessness increasing in the area.

Former North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson said recent tents in Kirribilli and Milson Point could set a ‘precedent’ which could lead to more tents ‘dominating’ local parks. Picture: John Appleyard

“Problem you have here if you allow one person to set up camp, next thing your going to have bigger problem to solve with humpies set up all over the place then you will have a public issue where the public will become disgruntled about homeless setting up in the parklands around Kirribilli … sad as it is they need a homeless shelter or permanent accommodation, unfortunately some do not want permanent accommodation and prefer to become a tent person,” one wrote

“How many tents are acceptable? One? Ten? A hundred? A thousand?” wrote another.

“Breaks my heart to see this. Maybe a homeless shelter Jilly?” asked one resident of his local representative.

“The way my rent and other life expenses are going. I could also be setting up a tent next door to him,” another empathised.

The 2061 postcode hosts some of the priciest real estate in Australia with median prices at $1,804,236 for a unit.

Median rent in the locality is at $850 per week, well above the natural average of $395.

North Sydney Council has been contacted for comment.

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