The City of Moreton Bay has recently enacted a new law that prohibits homeless individuals from camping on public land. This decision comes after the council repealed its Persons Experiencing Homelessness Framework, which previously permitted homeless camping on council property. Effective from March 12, all forms of homeless camping within Moreton Bay will be classified as criminal activities.

Scott Waters, the Chief Executive of the City of Moreton Bay, emphasized that this change aims to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness. He stated that by revoking the framework, homeless individuals will be better connected with essential support services. The council plans to inform homeless individuals of this new regulation through council workers on Thursday.

The move to criminalize homeless camping was met with mixed reactions. While some, like Homelessness volunteer Beau Haywood, criticized the decision as cruel and inhumane, others, including Mayor Peter Flannery, supported it. Flannery explained that the initial framework was intended to assist the homeless population but has been exploited over time. He highlighted issues such as drug use, alcoholism, aggression, unrestrained pets, littering, and deteriorating public spaces as reasons for the policy change.

Under the revised regulations, the council will no longer consider individuals sleeping in vans or camping with pets as homeless campers. This adjustment reflects the council’s efforts to address the misuse of the previous lenient approach. Moving forward, the council plans to implement a complaint-based system, with officers responding to reports of homeless individuals in public spaces. The council has also enlisted additional officers to engage with the homeless population, with support from the Queensland Police Service.

Critics of the new law argue that it will exacerbate the homelessness issue by displacing individuals to other areas. They assert that instead of criminalizing homeless camping, efforts should focus on providing comprehensive support services to address the root causes of homelessness. Despite these concerns, the City of Moreton Bay remains committed to enforcing the prohibition on homeless camping in public spaces.

In conclusion, the City of Moreton Bay’s decision to criminalize homeless camping on public land marks a significant policy shift aimed at addressing the challenges associated with homelessness in the region. While the move has sparked debate and raised questions about its long-term impact, the council maintains that the decision is crucial to improving public safety and well-being within Moreton Bay.