Council gives rough sleepers reprieve to find housing

Attributed to City of Moreton Bay CEO, Scott Waters: 

An injunction was sought today for a number of rough sleepers in City of Moreton Bay to not be moved on. This was not granted.  
 
Council instead agreed to temporarily allow the applicants in the proceeding to remain on public land until their matter is brought back to the court on 24 July. This is on the condition that the rough sleepers abide by certain conditions, with the highest order being adherence to public health and community safety. 

Today’s injunction hearing relates to the Bobeldyks, who last week accepted an offer of housing and are in the process of moving into their new home. It is simply a waste of the court's time and ratepayer resources to bring these matters before the court when the ultimate goal for our rough sleepers has been achieved - with the Bobeldyks gaining access to community housing. 

Overnight, in addition to the Bobeldyk application, another 11 people filed an application in the same form as the Bobeldyks, for an injunction to prevent Council taking compliance action until 24 July. Again, this does nothing more than divert resources away from the ultimate goal of achieving housing outcomes for the individuals. 

The City of Moreton Bay’s agreed approach with the applicants enables the 11 rough sleepers to remain at Goodfellows Road, Kallangur until 24 July and is predicated on their compliance with responsibilities including not impeding reasonable access by other community members and Council officers undertaking their duties, not conducting illegal behaviour and keeping the area clean, safe and tidy. Daily patrols of the site will ensure compliance against public health and community safety standards are met.  

In addition to the patrols, the rough sleepers have provided assurance to the Council that the public health and safety of all residents will be upheld.   

Council notes that today’s decision means that some public areas owned by Council may not be accessible and asks for patience as we work together with stakeholders including the State Government to support those sleeping rough. 

Hall and Wilcox on behalf of the Bobeldyks and their clients Northwest Community Group and Nourish Street are seeking to take action against Council through the courts on a separate matter on which will be heard by the courts in November this year.

Basic Rights Queensland on behalf of 11 individuals and their clients Northwest Community Group and Nourish Street are seeking to take action against Council through the courts on a separate matter, also to be heard later this year.

These other matters relate to: City of Moreton Bay’s repeal of the People Experiencing Homelessness Framework, the issuing of compliance notices, and impounding of unwanted possessions. 

The City of Moreton Bay will continue to uphold the community expectations of public health and community safety at all of its facilities. Council’s willingness to work through an approach of protecting its community while seeking appropriate accommodation for rough sleepers should be noted by Basic Rights Queensland, Northwest Community Group and Nourish Street. These groups, first and foremost basis must be working to achieve safe and secure accommodation for our most vulnerable, rather than facilitate continued rough sleeping in public areas. The Council will be maintaining its current position to ensure public health and community safety at the upcoming hearings.