New Measures on Rough Sleepers by Gold Coast City Council
In a controversial shift, the Gold Coast City Council has decided to implement strict measures targeting rough sleepers. On Tuesday, city councillors voted to transition from a welfare-oriented approach to a compliance-focused strategy concerning homelessness. As a result, individuals sleeping rough in public areas managed by the council, such as parks, may soon face penalties, including fines and the confiscation of their belongings if they decline to vacate within a specified period.
Policy Amendments and Background
Before the policy was finalised, two key amendments were made: one aimed at preserving collaborations with homelessness services and another ensuring that frontline workers are adequately trained to engage with rough sleepers. This decision aligns with similar recent actions by Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Councils, both of which encountered considerable public backlash. Notably, the “tent city” at Eddie Hyland Park in Lawnton was dismantled earlier this year by local authorities using excavators.
Beau Hayward, the founder of the charity Nourish Street, highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in Queensland, which he described as marked by severe affordability issues. According to Hayward, the lack of viable housing options leaves many individuals and families in dire situations.
Mayor’s Comments and Public Sentiment
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed confidence in the council’s decision but acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue. Inviting critics to propose alternative solutions, he said, “I say to critics, come and see me with your better solution and I’ll look at it.” When questioned about whether homeless individuals could afford fines, Tate admitted he lacked knowledge of their financial situations.
Service providers like Hayward contend that the new policy disregards the basic human rights of those affected. He emphasised the need for compassion during discussions and decision-making processes that affect vulnerable populations. “Lives are being disrupted, and the dignity and sense of belonging that comes with having a home are being stripped away,” he stated.
While the Gold Coast City Council does not possess the authority to forcibly displace rough sleepers, its local laws permit the issuance of fines and compliance notices for violations related to unauthorized camping and similar infractions. Mayor Tate acknowledged these limitations but mentioned that issuing fines is among the few measures at the council’s disposal. The new rules allow for the confiscation of belongings if individuals refuse to leave within the designated time.
Concerns and Criticisms
The adopted measures have drawn criticism from anti-homelessness advocates who worry that simple displacement will not resolve the underlying issues of homelessness, and those affected will merely relocate to another area. Critics highlight the risk that punitive measures could exacerbate the already challenging situation faced by those without homes.
The Gold Coast City’s shift towards a stricter enforcement model reflects broader pressures seen in southeast Queensland where similar hardline policies have been advocated. Responsive measures that prioritise compassion and long-term solutions, such as access to affordable housing and support services, are increasingly under discussion.
Conclusion
The Gold Coast City Council’s decision marks a significant turn in its approach to homelessness, raising questions about the balance between public space management and the rights of vulnerable individuals. As community responses evolve, the implications of these non-welfare-based strategies on rough sleepers remain a vital area of concern. Moving forward, the focus will need to be on finding sustainable and compassionate solutions to the complex issue of homelessness rather than punitive measures alone.
