A recent decision by a council in Queensland has sparked controversy as it moves to enforce a ban on public camping, leading to the eviction of homeless individuals residing in parks. The City of Moreton Bay, situated in south-east Queensland, has amended its local law to prohibit camping on public land, effectively criminalizing homelessness in the area.

The revised law, set to take effect on March 12, will require homeless individuals to vacate the parks or face potential fines. The council’s CEO, Scott Waters, emphasized that the change aims to safeguard the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness by facilitating access to essential support services. The move received overwhelming support from council members, with only two dissenting votes.

The now-repealed policy, initially introduced in 2021 in response to the surge in homelessness during the Covid pandemic, had provided a temporary exemption for homeless individuals to camp in public spaces under certain conditions. However, the council deemed it necessary to revoke this framework due to concerns about public health risks posed by encampments like the one at Gayundah Park.

Council officials clarified that enforcement of the camping ban would primarily be complaint-driven, with officers granting reasonable compliance timelines to homeless individuals before issuing fines. The council’s decision to crack down on public camping follows previous measures that outlawed sleeping in vans and led to the clearance of homeless encampments in the region.

Despite the council’s rationale of prioritizing community safety and well-being, critics, including some councillors, have voiced apprehensions about the potential impact on vulnerable populations. They argue that the local government’s actions may exacerbate the challenges faced by homeless individuals, especially in light of the shortage of social housing in Moreton Bay.

Prof. Cameron Parsell, an expert in social sciences from the University of Queensland, criticized the repeal of the camping framework, suggesting that it disproportionately affects the disadvantaged while shielding the affluent from confronting issues of poverty. This sentiment was echoed by concerns raised by certain councillors regarding the strain on state housing services and the lack of a robust alternative plan to accommodate the displaced homeless residents.

In response to queries about housing capacity, the Department of Housing and Public Works refrained from providing a direct answer, emphasizing collaboration with local councils and homelessness services to offer crisis accommodation and support to individuals at risk of homelessness. The move to ban public camping has underscored the broader societal divide between the marginalized homeless population and the more privileged segments of society, prompting debates about the ethical implications of such policies.

As the council’s decision stirs debate and raises questions about social responsibility and community welfare, the plight of homeless individuals in Moreton Bay has come under increased scrutiny. With a significant number of people on the social housing waiting list and limited resources available, the future remains uncertain for those affected by the ban on public camping in the region.