Moreton Bay provides new free camping site for those in need
Published 12 August 2026
- Council reserve opened for free tent camping
- Available for people experiencing homelessness
- An alternative to paid caravan parks and camping grounds for those unable to access crisis accommodation or emergency housing
City of Moreton Bay today announced that a new free camping site for tents would be provided at Wyllie Park, Petrie.
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 said 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.
“This is an issue of safety and public health and hygiene. It is also a response to Council’s ongoing need to balance community impact with individual impact.”
Division 8 Councillor Jim Moloney said Council’s 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.
“Wyllie Park provides a viable alternative to our public parks while also being a free option for those looking for a camping site,” Cr Moloney said.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Wyllie Park was not a solution to the homelessness problem across City of Moreton Bay, or South East Queensland.
“Council is doing what it can to balance the needs of residents with the serious homelessness issue. The fact is we have seen an increase in people using our parks and public spaces, and there has been a reduction in services by crisis accommodation charities facing funding cuts.
“Wyllie Park is not considered an alternative to longer term housing options or crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. Council continues to call on the State Government for support for those not-for-profit organisations providing crisis accommodation across Moreton Bay,” Cr Flannery said.
CEO Encircle Community Services, Barb Power OAM said that as an organisation who works with some of the most vulnerable in the community, Encircle Community Services has long lobbied for better housing outcomes and better supports for people experiencing homelessness within City of Moreton Bay.
“Demand for affordable and social housing continues to exceed supply which is putting increased pressure on already stretched local services and is leaving those experiencing homelessness feeling like they have nowhere to go.
“Encircle welcomes making Wyllie Park a free camp site as it will provide people experiencing homelessness with a location option that is close to support services where they can have a form of stability and won’t have to fear being moved on. We look forward to continuing to work with Council as we support those living rough in City of Moreton Bay.”