Statement on Supreme Court Decision - 6 March 2026

Published 06 March 2026

Attributable to City of Moreton Bay CEO, Scott Waters:

City of Moreton Bay has today received a lengthy and complex decision in relation to 8 individuals experiencing homelessness. Council will now take the necessary time to properly consider the ruling, before commenting on any specifics of the case.

We thank His Honor for his time and consideration in delivering this judgement.

This matter came from eight (8) individuals who took City of Moreton Bay to court. Council understands some of these people are no longer at this location.

Sadly, today’s determination does not grant homes for people sleeping rough, yet significant ratepayer resources have been consumed by this matter. It does not change City of Moreton Bay’s Camping on Public Land local laws.

Council is actively working with the State and Federal Governments, as well as long established community groups, to support our most vulnerable, and continues to advocate for the establishment of shelter networks and assisted living facilities, and supportive housing solutions to help break the cycle of sleeping rough.

City of Moreton Bay considers the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) is not a licence to do what is otherwise unlawful. It should not prevent the enforcement of Council local laws made for the safety, health and amenity of the community.

Public spaces are for use by everyone and are not fit for habitation.

Camping on public land, and the storing of goods on public land without approval, contravenes Council’s local laws.

As His Honor indicated, Council has had 4,500 community complaints relating to people experiencing homelessness. Complaints include lack of available public spaces and parks, safety concerns relating to violence and illegal behaviour, as well as serious public health matters like public toileting and human waste, active vermin and significant food and general waste.

Council remains committed to balancing the needs of all members of the community.

Local Government across Australia is not funded or resourced to provide public housing or shelters.

It is the Queensland Government's responsibility to provide safe and appropriate housing including crisis accommodation and social housing options, as well as homelessness support services.