Moreton Bay homeless camp uses barricades amid safety concerns

Tensions are rising between residents at a SEQ homeless camp and a council, with extra security called in.

Redcliffe Peninsula locals are concerned about the rubbish and growing tensions from residents sleeping rough at Gayundah Wreck. Photo: supplied

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Tensions are rising between residents at a Moreton Bay homeless camp and City of Moreton Bay, with one local describing the area as “very unsafe”.

The council last week said private security would accompany members of the council’s operations team to clean up sites, after they were previously ordered to stay 50m away from sites where homeless people and those illegally camping were residing.

A local resident told The Courier-Mail that people living near the Gayundah wreck at Woody Point had previously been blocking roads, defecating in public, threatening locals with machetes, and leaving drug utensils in the parklands.

In response to the council safety directive, about a week ago sticks and branches were used to block the road into the area in an apparent bid to restrict access.

Clontarf resident Daryl Fladung on Monday said he used to drive mobile patrol security and would go past Gayundah park.

“I have had a few run-ins with the locals who live in the park, such as a knife flashed and rocks thrown at the security car,” Mr Fladung said.

Barricades were erected at Gayundah wreck in recent weeks. Picture: Supplied

“My wife and I avoid the area as it’s very unsafe at night due to branches being used to block cars from exiting the car park.”

Reports also emerged of overflowing bins and toilets not being cleaned for more than a week.

Beau Haywood from homeless organisation Nourish Street said those incidents were done by an individual as a one-man protest to the changes.

“With a very limited time frame it was a response to the council’s new 50m exclusion rule, which was implemented following alleged incidents of violence towards council workers,” Mr Haywood said.

“This rule has resulted in a lack of maintenance for essential services in the area, including toilets, bins, and lawns, which had gone unattended for approximately 10 days.”

Redcliffe Peninsula locals are concerned about the rubbish and growing tensions from residents sleeping rough at Gayundah Wreck. Picture: supplied

Mr Haywood said it is crucial for the council to provide concrete evidence of the allegations leading to this exclusion, and to ensure the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected.

“This situation is unacceptable, as the shared spaces are vital for both those experiencing homelessness and the wider community,” Mr Haywood said.

“The individuals of the protest acted out of concern for the public wellbeing, highlighting the need for adequate facilities and services that cater to all members of the community.”

Mr Haywood said facilities near where homeless people were living were also used by members of the public and are now also being maintained by those living in the park.

“Those experiencing homelessness have also taken cleaning of the facilities upon themselves daily to ensure a clean and safe environment for everyone to use,” Mr Haywood said.

Redcliffe Peninsula locals are concerned about the rubbish and growing tensions from residents sleeping rough at Gayundah Wreck. Picture: supplied

Mr Haywood shared a post social media on Sunday night of facilities at Suttons Beach, and said the amenities – which are no longer used by people sleeping rough – are not being maintained by council.

“Interestingly, these toilets, which are usually locked, were left open last night. The state of disrepair and filth we see is a result of the general public, not those without homes,” he said.

A City of Moreton Bay spokesman said the action was in response to community feedback citing “serious concerns”.

“This illegal behaviour as well as aggressive and anti-social behaviours towards park users, other people experiencing homelessness, and council officers is unacceptable,” he said.

“The unfortunate reality is the actions of some people has resulted in a number of our public spaces becoming too unsafe or inaccessible for residents of our city and our staff.

“Where possible, we are servicing these sites and mitigating risks by attending with security presence. Our teams assess the risk on a day-by-day and case-by-case basis.”

The spokesman confirmed they had seen images of blocked roads amid an “ongoing concern”.

“Council will remove obstacles blocking roads when they are reported, and it is safe to do so,” he said.

“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the whole City of Moreton Bay community including Council staff is our highest priority.”

The spokesman revealed over the past 12 months the number of complaints regarding People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) and illegal camping has doubled.

Originally published as Moreton Bay homeless camp uses barricades amid safety concerns