Queensland’s Gold Coast has long history of having to deal with large numbers of illegal campers, an issue which has been made more sensitive by a dramatic rise in homelessness.
The council there recently adopted a Place-Based Management Approach to homelessness, which means an increased patrols in public spaces.
The authority told the Grey Nomads that City officers will use a combination of local law enforcement and coordinated engagement with homelessness support services when required.
It says, with this approach, the City’s role remains centred on public space management and compliance with local laws while also strengthening engagement with the homelessness service system and relevant State Government agencies.
Many authorities are seeking ways to clamp down on stealth camping. PIC: Cizza
The Gold Coast is currently recruiting more staff to carry out this work with the number of City Laws Officers on night-time patrols expected to double in the coming months.
A spokesperson told the Grey Nomads that, as well as homelessness, illegal camping also includes people sleeping in or staying overnight in a tent or motor vehicle within public spaces or carparks.
“A review of parking restrictions to stop illegal camping will commence in the new year,” they said. “People who are found camping illegally or sleeping in vehicles on roads or parks are educated about appropriate places to sleep before being asked to move on … if the person is a repeat offender a fine may be issued to each adult in the vehicle worth $834.”
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