Residents in Queensland homeless camp given deadline to vacate following public health concerns

Residents living at an Aussie beachside homeless camp have days to clear out after human waste, syringes and drug paraphernalia were found.

Over a dozen people living in a Queensland homeless camp have been given seven days to vacate the site after human waste, syringes and drug paraphernalia were found in the “once beautiful” lookout spot.

Residents of Moreton Bay erupted last month after tents, dumped rubbish, trolleys, furniture and clothing were spotted at a popular lookout at the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum site at Woody Point, 40km north of Brisbane.

On Monday, the City of Moreton Bay announced the site will close for remediation on February 17 after a recent review of the area found an “escalated public health risk”.

“I was appalled and saddened by the recent review of the site,” City of Moreton Bay Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said in a statement.

“The review noted recent human waste, used toilet paper, used syringes and associated waste, drug paraphernalia, significant general and food waste, and active vermin and mosquito breeding.

“No person should have to live in an unsafe environment and council has a legal responsibility to act on these findings so that health and safety risks are removed.”

Those living in the site have seven days to vacate. Picture: Facebook

Thirteen people are believed to be living in the camp, according to council.

The council, as well as the Queensland Government’s Department of Housing and Queensland police will visit the site today to inform residents they have seven days to vacate before the area is fenced off.

Those living in the camp will be provided support and housing options, Ms Shipway said.

“It is shocking to think that people are living among this waste, and I am sure the State Government will take their housing and support responsibilities seriously to help them.”

“Although the area is unsafe, we have worked on a cross-government solution to give people at the site seven days, including a weekend, to leave before it must be fenced off, due to the health and safety risks. We believe this is a fair, compassionate and safe way to manage the situation.”

“I genuinely hope that people do not exploit our legal obligation to clean up this site, by bringing into this conversation, the very complex issue of homelessness. This is a serious public health matter, and we are obliged to respond.”

The site will close over public health concerns. Picture: City of Moreton Bay

It will close for remediation on February 17. Picture: City of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery has with the former, and current Housing Ministers to express “concern about the severe lack of local crisis accommodation” in the area, Ms Shipway added.

“As a Council, we will continue to push this matter until it is resolved by the state, she said.

The remediation of the site is expected to last six months and will involve the removal of waste items, sanitation and the restoration of remnant vegetation.

The process will cost the council over $110,000.

The review noted recent human waste, used toilet paper, used syringes and associated waste at the site. Picture: City of Moreton Bay

Homeless camp closes after locals erupt. Picture: City of Moreton Bay

Locals slam site

Mayor Peter Flannery earlier condemned the “disgusting behaviour” at the site, saying it “cannot continue.”

“When public spaces are misused, resulting in serious health and safety risks, and destruction of property, we will unequivocally act to protect the broader community and Council assets,” Mr Flannery said in a statement provided to news.com.au last month.

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

“We are appalled that the once beautiful Gayundah Coastal Arboretum site is now strewn with garbage, and a public site that locals fear to visit.”

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery at the news conference in Petrie today to announce plans to increase the size of UniSC at Petrie. Picture David Clark

Residents also expressed their outrage after a photo of the site was shared on social media.

“Seriously how hard is it to show some respect and keep your area tidy. I feel for those who are struggling but this is appalling,” one person wrote.

“There’s no excuse to have their sites look so disgusting have some pride and keep the area clean and tidy,” said another.

“I feel so sorry that life has resorted to this for them, but at the same time it’s not hard to keep a camp clean and tidy,” another added.

“Tents are OK. times are tough. Rubbish however,” another comment read.

“Human dumping ground … seriously there is no reason to live in filth,” said another.

Councillor Karl Winchester said there had been an increase in the number of complaints about the site.

“I want to thank the community for expressing their significant concerns to Council; I know it has been a worry for many local residents for some time,” Mr Winchester said.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that people want action, and I know we have the overwhelming support from community to remediate the site.”

Mr Flannery said homelessness costs local ratepayers over $2 million per year, just in operational costs.