While on their travels, most grey nomads will have seen some evidence of the homelessness crisis impacting many parts of Australia
The growing number of people struggling to find a place to call home has resulted in more of them attempting to stay long term in bush camps and budget campsites.
This has created a range of issues that many local authorities have struggled to address, particularly as they seek to be sensitive to the needs of those facing very difficult situations.
In Queensland, the City of Moreton Bay has sought to be proactive by announcing that a new free camping site for tents will be provided at Wyllie Park, Petrie.
There will be free camping for tents at Wyllie Park. PIC: City of Moreton Bay
The site, which includes a current overnight camping area, is well serviced by toilets and refuse facilities and will be monitored by CCTV and regular security patrols.
The camping ground will be available to all, including for people experiencing homelessness, as a voluntary, no-cost, option.
City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, stressed the Wyllie Park free camping site was not an alternative to established crisis accommodation or emergency housing.
“The State Government is responsible for crisis accommodation and longer-term community housing, but the council faces increased pressure on its public parks from people experiencing homelessness,” Cr Flannery said. “We have listened to our residents, and those groups who work in this area, and felt the need to provide a free option for those homeless who can no longer stay in our public parks and spaces.”
He said it was an issue of safety and public health and hygiene.
Councillor Jim Moloney said the decision was an attempt to provide a viable alternative for those people experiencing homelessness.
“Unfortunately, the council has been placed in a difficult position as we are not responsible for crisis accommodation, but it is our parks and public spaces which are coming under increasing pressure from those experiencing homelessness,” he said. “Wyllie Park provides a viable alternative to our public parks while also being a free option for those looking for a camping site.”
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