Homelessness advocates label a Queensland council ban on pets and sleeping in vans as “deeply concerning”

A petition to reverse a “deeply concerning” and controversial ban on homeless people keeping pets or sleeping in vans has gained more than 13,000 signatures. HAVE YOUR SAY

A petition launched to reverse a Queensland council’s controversial ban on homeless people keeping pets or sleeping in vans has gained more than 13,000 signatures, as homeless advocates label the laws “deeply concerning”.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery proposed the tough new measures in response to what he said were “hundreds” of complaints from ratepayers about the decline in safety and amenity following a sharp rise in the number of people camping in public spaces.

“Concerns for public safety are mounting in some council parks and we have received hundredss of calls from residents and visitors citing serious concerns,” Cr Flannery said.

The new bans were passed by the council on December 12 by unanimous vote.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery says the council spends $2 million each year dealing with the city’s homeless. Picture: Supplied

In the Moreton Bay Council area there are approximately 200 people experiencing homelessness, with about 30 dogs between them, and around 4500 people on the council’s social housing waiting list.

A Moreton Bay Council spokesman said over the past decade there has been a 90 per cent increase in people experiencing homelessness.

“In the last two years there has been a 250 per cent increase in referrals to Council of people sleeping rough,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve received ongoing community feedback about the significant increase in illegal behaviour in public places including assaults, fighting and use of dangerous weapons, drug and alcohol abuse, dog attacks and fire putting everyone, including people sleeping rough, at great risk.”

The spokesman said it will be bringing its persons experiencing camping framework back into line with other South East Queensland councils.

“This includes prohibiting the keeping of animals by all people camping in Council’s public spaces due to the public safety risks of animals not being kept under effective control,” he said.

“This is consistent with our local laws for all members of our community. All animals in public spaces must be kept under effective control at all times.

Tracey Hind, 58, and partner Stephen Ibbetson, 72, (with 19yr old Charlie the dog) at the showgrounds in Lawnton. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“This also includes a change to the guidelines around public space camping in caravans, camper trailers and other vehicles equipped for the purposes of camping.”

A petition launched by local Stephen Bartholomew calling for amendments to be made to allow for permit pets to accompany homeless persons in public spaces and for people with registrations with relevant government agencies to continue to live within their vehicles, has generated over 13,721 signatures.

“When you have over 10,000 signatures in less than 72 hours supporting the amendments requested within this petition, it’s VERY clear council, State, and federal government need to work with the community, not just sweep it under the carpet among each other,” Mr Bartholomew said in a post to social media.

“These are very fair and reasonable amendment requests. So Council, listen to what over 10,000 people are requesting. And make the amendments.”

Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood delivers around 600 meals a week to 120 individuals across Moreton Bay area and said he is deeply concerned of the impact of the council’s new bylaws will have on the community.

Tracey Wilkinson, 59, was living in her van with her dog at the showgrounds in Lawnton earlier this year. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Mr Haywood said he has noticed in the weeks since the regulation has come into effect a “deterioration in the mental health of those impacted”.

“[There is] a growing sense of anxiety, depression and uncertainty among the most vulnerable members of our society,” he said.

“The timing of these bylaws, introduced during the holiday season, raises questions about their intent. It appears aimed at making certain areas more visually appealing to visitors, rather than addressing the urgent needs of our community.

“Many have been forced to relocate to unknown areas within the peninsula and into neighbouring councils, significantly hindering our ability to provide essential food support and housing services.”

Mr Haywood said the petition shows residents of Moreton Bay do not support the council’s actions.

“The council, state and federal governments must prioritise the development of decent, available and affordable alternatives instead of treating the vulnerable as a political liability,” he said.

Originally published as Homelessness advocates label a Queensland council ban on pets and sleeping in vans as “deeply concerning”