Brisbane Charity Defies Council Directive Amid Homelessness Crisis
As Brisbane City Council orders the removal of homeless encampments, a local charity refuses to dismantle tents for those in need.
A confrontation between a Brisbane charity and the local council has emerged over the provision of tents to homeless individuals, highlighting the ongoing homelessness crisis in the city.
Paul Slater, president of the Northwest Community Group, received a letter from Brisbane City Council stating that the tents set up for homeless people contravene local laws prohibiting the placement of items on council land without permission, punishable by fines exceeding $8,000.
Mr. Slater has distributed over 1,000 tents to rough sleepers over the past two years, in addition to providing food and clothing assistance.
In response to the council's directive, Mr. Slater indicated that he would halt the installation of new tents while consulting legal advice, but would not remove existing tents.
He expressed deep concern for the homeless population, stating, "I'm not going to pull tents down on people that have nowhere to go," and emphasized that many individuals live in tents due to a lack of affordable housing options.
On Thursday, Brisbane City Council warned that homeless individuals would have 24 hours to vacate their tent encampments.
Many affected individuals have voiced their distress over the removal orders.
Steve Schubert, a homeless man occupying a tent under a bridge, reported being awakened by police and directed to leave with no clear alternative for accommodation.
He lamented, "I'm not choosing to be homeless...
I've been waiting five years for housing."
Similarly, 84-year-old Raymond Carr cited long waiting periods for social housing, noting that he could be on a waiting list for as long as two years.
Carr suggested that many homeless individuals might relocate to other areas, only to face similar issues of displacement.
He criticized local authorities, stating, "They don't care what the homeless people are going to go."
Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner commented on the situation, indicating that local authorities are aware of the encampments, which have arisen despite offers of accommodation from support services.
He expressed concern over individuals living indefinitely in parks when alternative housing options exist, asserting that tents erected in public spaces would be removed.
Mayor Schrinner stated, "If tents are put up in parks, they will be taken down."
Acting Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service, Shane Chelepy, clarified that while police would be present during the issuance of move-on orders, enforcement would primarily be the responsibility of the council.
A spokesperson from the Department of Housing reported ongoing engagement with the homeless population, stating that individuals willing to collaborate have been offered temporary accommodations or referrals to specialized services.
In a related incident, a 29-year-old man was arrested following an alleged arson attack on homeless individuals in Elizabeth, causing significant property loss to three victims.
Local witnesses described the incident as shocking and cowardly, with one individual reportedly suffering burns while attempting to protect others during the attack.
The broader context of homelessness in Queensland remains troubling, as cities grapple with rising encampments.
In South-East Queensland, tent cities have grown in size over recent months, exacerbated by natural disasters such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which recently struck the region, inundating the encampments and displacing their inhabitants.
Local organizations, such as YFS, have reported a sharp increase in homelessness, with a 277 percent rise in rough sleepers in the Logan City Council area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase coincides with soaring rental prices, which have escalated significantly since 2021. Mayors and local service providers acknowledge the complexity of the housing crisis, recognizing that many affected individuals include working families and young people struggling to find affordable housing in a competitive market.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Brisbane City Council is reviewing its approach and intends to offer individuals in temporary encampments advance notice before any eviction takes place.
Mayor Schrinner remarked on the changing landscape of housing availability, indicating that the city is prepared to take different actions than previously necessary when accommodations were scarce.
Community leaders and support services continue to navigate the multifaceted challenges of homelessness, advocating for both immediate support and long-term solutions.
Paul Slater, president of the Northwest Community Group, received a letter from Brisbane City Council stating that the tents set up for homeless people contravene local laws prohibiting the placement of items on council land without permission, punishable by fines exceeding $8,000.
Mr. Slater has distributed over 1,000 tents to rough sleepers over the past two years, in addition to providing food and clothing assistance.
In response to the council's directive, Mr. Slater indicated that he would halt the installation of new tents while consulting legal advice, but would not remove existing tents.
He expressed deep concern for the homeless population, stating, "I'm not going to pull tents down on people that have nowhere to go," and emphasized that many individuals live in tents due to a lack of affordable housing options.
On Thursday, Brisbane City Council warned that homeless individuals would have 24 hours to vacate their tent encampments.
Many affected individuals have voiced their distress over the removal orders.
Steve Schubert, a homeless man occupying a tent under a bridge, reported being awakened by police and directed to leave with no clear alternative for accommodation.
He lamented, "I'm not choosing to be homeless...
I've been waiting five years for housing."
Similarly, 84-year-old Raymond Carr cited long waiting periods for social housing, noting that he could be on a waiting list for as long as two years.
Carr suggested that many homeless individuals might relocate to other areas, only to face similar issues of displacement.
He criticized local authorities, stating, "They don't care what the homeless people are going to go."
Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner commented on the situation, indicating that local authorities are aware of the encampments, which have arisen despite offers of accommodation from support services.
He expressed concern over individuals living indefinitely in parks when alternative housing options exist, asserting that tents erected in public spaces would be removed.
Mayor Schrinner stated, "If tents are put up in parks, they will be taken down."
Acting Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service, Shane Chelepy, clarified that while police would be present during the issuance of move-on orders, enforcement would primarily be the responsibility of the council.
A spokesperson from the Department of Housing reported ongoing engagement with the homeless population, stating that individuals willing to collaborate have been offered temporary accommodations or referrals to specialized services.
In a related incident, a 29-year-old man was arrested following an alleged arson attack on homeless individuals in Elizabeth, causing significant property loss to three victims.
Local witnesses described the incident as shocking and cowardly, with one individual reportedly suffering burns while attempting to protect others during the attack.
The broader context of homelessness in Queensland remains troubling, as cities grapple with rising encampments.
In South-East Queensland, tent cities have grown in size over recent months, exacerbated by natural disasters such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which recently struck the region, inundating the encampments and displacing their inhabitants.
Local organizations, such as YFS, have reported a sharp increase in homelessness, with a 277 percent rise in rough sleepers in the Logan City Council area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase coincides with soaring rental prices, which have escalated significantly since 2021. Mayors and local service providers acknowledge the complexity of the housing crisis, recognizing that many affected individuals include working families and young people struggling to find affordable housing in a competitive market.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Brisbane City Council is reviewing its approach and intends to offer individuals in temporary encampments advance notice before any eviction takes place.
Mayor Schrinner remarked on the changing landscape of housing availability, indicating that the city is prepared to take different actions than previously necessary when accommodations were scarce.
Community leaders and support services continue to navigate the multifaceted challenges of homelessness, advocating for both immediate support and long-term solutions.
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