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Fraser Coast council CEO Ken Diehm speaks out on assault on ranger

A council on the Qld coast has taken drastic action against a homeless community camped near its beautiful beaches after two local rangers were attacked, one so badly he needed specialist medical treatment.

The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.
The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.

A crackdown has been carried out on homeless sites along Hervey Bay’s foreshore in the wake of a serious assault on a council ranger.

It is understood the ranger needed specialist medical treatment in the wake of the attack in Pialba last week.

Fraser Coast Regional Council chief executive Ken Diehm said the action followed an alarming increase in violent incidents, criminal activity and property damage in areas in Pialba such as The Pines Park, Apex Park, alongside Tooan Tooan Creek, and the site known as The Kitchen near the all-abilities playground car park.

“This is not about homelessness – it’s about community safety,” he said.

“We are dealing with a small group engaging in anti-social and violent behaviour that threatens public safety, damages property and the environment, and puts our staff and community at risk.

The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.
The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.

“Council staff have been assaulted twice in this area while carrying out their duties, including one incident in the past week.

“We take these attacks seriously and will use the full force of the law to prosecute those responsible.

“Our staff have the full backing of council, and we will ensure they can work safely to serve the community.

“Enough is enough.”

Mr Diehm said the council remained committed to supporting those experiencing homelessness by working closely with the state government and non-government organisations to connect individuals with housing, mental health services, and addiction support.

The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.
The Fraser Coast council has moved to address homeless sites on the foreshore after an attack on a ranger.

“Council generally takes a compassionate approach to homelessness, provided sites are kept clean and those involved don’t cause concern for other members of the public,” he said.

“However, when public spaces are misused for unsafe gatherings and anti-social behaviour such as destroying property and abusing others, we must act to protect the broader community.”

On Wednesday, the council began cleaning up the affected sites, removing shelters, and installing barriers to prevent vehicles from accessing the vacant area near Tooan Tooan Creek.

“Homelessness is a challenging and complex issue, but what we were dealing with today was an anti-social and criminal element that posed a threat to public safety,” Mr Diehm said.

No charges have been laid regarding the assaults.

The Queensland Government’s Homeless Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 474 753.

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Originally published as Fraser Coast council CEO Ken Diehm speaks out on assault on ranger

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/fraser-coast-council-ceo-ken-diehm-speaks-out-on-assault-on-ranger/news-story/06f3c2fbdc6950a211871b2e7f31a6c3