The Gayundah Arboretum in Woody Point will be closed for six months after a public health review found serious safety risks, including human waste, drug paraphernalia, food scraps, and vermin infestations.
The City of Moreton Bay has confirmed the closure will begin on Monday, 17 February 2025, with remediation works set to cost more than $110,000.
Local authorities have been working to relocate 13 people who have been living at the site, ensuring they have access to temporary accommodation and support services. The park will be fenced off to allow for waste removal, ground sanitation, and vegetation restoration.
Health Concerns Lead to Urgent Action
Recent assessments identified unsafe conditions throughout the arboretum, prompting an immediate response from the Council under the Public Health Act 2005. Reports found that the site had become unsanitary and hazardous, with evidence of illegal activity, poor hygiene conditions, and environmental damage.
Local officials stated that while homelessness remains a broader issue, the closure is focused on ensuring public health and safety. The site’s condition had worsened over time, with increasing complaints from residents and park visitors. Authorities determined that it was no longer safe for anyone to remain there, either as a place to live or for recreational use.
The decision to close the park was made after extensive discussions with state and local agencies, including the Queensland Police Service and Department of Housing, to ensure those affected by the closure were offered alternative housing and necessary assistance.
Community Concerns and Housing Challenges
Residents in Moreton Bay have expressed growing frustration over the conditions at the Gayundah Arboretum, with many calling for urgent intervention before the site became unmanageable. Community members have also raised concerns about what will happen to those who have been living there, with some questioning the availability of crisis accommodation in the region.
Local officials have acknowledged the pressing need for more housing solutions and have called for stronger support from the State Government to address the shortage of affordable and emergency housing. In the meantime, Council officers and support workers are ensuring that those displaced by the closure receive appropriate help.
The City of Moreton Bay has stated that teams will monitor public spaces to ensure that individuals who leave the site do not simply relocate to other parks and reserves, which could lead to similar health concerns elsewhere.
Restoring the Park for Future Use
The six-month remediation process will focus on clearing waste, improving hygiene conditions, and restoring the natural environment. Given the extent of damage, a comprehensive clean-up is required before the site can reopen for public use.
The HMQS Gayundah Memorial, a key landmark within the park, will be prioritised for restoration, with efforts to allow access in time for Anzac Day (25 April 2025). However, full park access will not be available until remediation is complete later in the year.
Authorities are urging the public to stay informed about progress updates and to report any ongoing public health concerns in other areas of Moreton Bay.
Published 10-February-2025