In a controversial move, a Queensland council has decided to enforce a ban on public camping, effectively leading to the eviction of homeless individuals residing in parks. The City of Moreton Bay in south-east Queensland recently made a significant decision to repeal its framework that previously allowed persons experiencing homelessness to camp on public land. This change, spearheaded by the council’s CEO, Scott Waters, is set to take effect on 12th March, making it illegal for all individuals to camp in public spaces.

The decision has sparked debates and concerns as homeless residents face the prospect of fines for sleeping in parks. While the council maintains that the primary motivation behind this move is the health and safety of those experiencing homelessness, critics argue that it criminalizes homelessness rather than addressing the root causes of the issue. Councillor Jodie Shipway, who expressed sadness at the living conditions of homeless individuals, emphasized the importance of prioritizing both their well-being and that of the broader community.

The council’s decision to repeal the framework, which dates back to 2021 and was initially a response to the surge in homelessness during the Covid-19 pandemic, received overwhelming support from all but two councillors. The previous policy had provided exemptions for camping in public places for individuals without alternative shelter, subject to certain conditions such as maintaining cleanliness and not causing disruptions. However, the council deemed it necessary to tighten regulations, citing misuse by some individuals who were perceived as not genuinely in need.

According to council data, Moreton Bay currently faces a significant shortage of social housing, with a lengthy waiting list of over 4,000 individuals. The increase in homelessness by about 90% over the past decade has further exacerbated the housing crisis in the region. Recent legislative changes by the council, including prohibiting sleeping in vans and dismantling homeless encampments, reflect a broader shift towards stricter enforcement measures.

Despite the council’s assertion that move-on notices will be issued primarily in response to complaints from residents and that homeless individuals will be given reasonable timelines for compliance, concerns remain about the lack of adequate alternative housing options. Some councillors have voiced apprehensions about the capacity of state agencies to accommodate the additional homeless population displaced by the camping ban. The potential repercussions of displacing vulnerable individuals without a comprehensive support system in place have raised ethical and humanitarian considerations.

Experts and social scientists have criticized the council’s decision, arguing that it disproportionately impacts the poor and vulnerable while shielding affluent communities from the visible manifestations of poverty. The repeal of the camping framework is seen as further widening the gap between socio-economic classes and perpetuating social inequalities. The mayor of Moreton Bay, Peter Flannery, defended the council’s stance, emphasizing the need to align with the desires of the majority of the community.

As the debate surrounding the camping ban intensifies, the plight of homeless individuals in Moreton Bay underscores the broader challenges of housing affordability, social support systems, and community welfare. The council’s actions reflect a complex interplay of public policy, social responsibility, and the ethical dimensions of addressing homelessness in a rapidly evolving societal landscape.