Moreton Bay Archives - Redcliffe Today

Street Library Resumes Operation in Redcliffe After Permit Obstacle

A community street library in Redcliffe has reopened with a new setup after an objection forced its temporary closure.

Initial Launch and Council Intervention

A grassroots street library in the Moreton Bay suburb of Redcliffe, initially placed outside a Clontarf home on Maine Road, was shut down shortly after opening.

The operator, Melissa Forbes, was required by Moreton Bay City Council to apply for a permit under the Alteration of Public Land Local Law and obtain $20 million in Public Liability Insurance. The initial location was near the Beedham Street bus stop.

After the permit application was rejected due to non-compliance, Ms Forbes dismantled the setup pending an alternative.

illegal book box — *Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

New Setup on Private Property

The original street library setup required formal council approval because it was situated on public land. The insurance requirement added further complications, effectively rendering the initial setup unviable. In response, Ms Forbes repositioned the library onto her front garden fence, which allowed her to circumvent public land regulations.

The library has been rebranded as the “Illegal Book Box” in a tongue-in-cheek nod to the bureaucratic hurdle it faced. The modified setup complies with local laws, making it a fully legal installation under current council guidelines.

No Guidance, No Permit – Just a Workaround

No specific alternatives were advised by council officers following the permit denial. Ms Forbes noted that no workaround was formally provided. Relocating the structure onto private property proved the simplest and most compliant option.

Melissa Forbes street library — *Photo Credit: Melissa Forbes/Instagram*

Strong Community Support

Public response to the re-opening has been overwhelmingly supportive. Comments on social media reflected both frustration at the initial complaint and enthusiasm for the library’s return.

Pledges of book donations and visits were common, with some residents describing the re-opening as “terrific for the community.” Others used humour to critique the idea that such a project faced obstacles, calling the situation “insane” and questioning how a free book library could be deemed problematic.

Some residents outside Australia, including from the UK, USA, and Serbia, expressed solidarity, noting similar initiatives in their own communities and voicing support for public book-sharing schemes.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

With the new location now meeting council requirements, the “Illegal Book Box” is operating legally and continues to function as a local hub for sharing books. The case has highlighted both the regulatory challenges faced by small community projects and the public value placed on local, grassroots initiatives.

FIND A LIBRARY NEAR YOU

Published 22-Mar-2025

Cyclone Alfred Tears Roof Off Redcliffe Home While Resident Sleeps

Photo Credit: Climate Council

A Redcliffe resident slept through the moment when ex-tropical cyclone Alfred tore the roof off his home on Saturday night, sending it onto nearby power lines.

Daniel Goullet, who has lived in his Redcliffe house for five years, was asleep when the severe weather event struck the Moreton Bay region with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h. The area, located approximately 30 km north of Brisbane’s CBD, was hit around 9pm when Alfred made landfall.

“We were asleep when the roof came off. I had no idea, the wind was so loud so we didn’t notice the roof came up,” Goullet said.

The Redcliffe property, which Goullet described as “the oldest house on the [Moreton Bay] Peninsula,” suffered significant damage during the storm. A severe weather alert had been issued for the area at 8:45pm Saturday.

“I had my doubts because it’s the oldest house on the Peninsula, I thought if anything’s going to happen it’s going to happen to this house,” Goullet said.

The Redcliffe area was particularly hard hit as Alfred, which had been downgraded from a potential category 2 cyclone to a tropical low before making landfall, moved through southeast Queensland.

Despite the downgrade, the storm has caused considerable disruption across the region, with power outages, flooding, and debris reported in numerous locations. Meteorologists warn that residents, including those in the Redcliffe peninsula, should prepare for more rainfall and continued wild weather in the coming days.

Published 10-March-2025

No Shelter, No Safety: Homeless at Risk as Cyclone Alfred Looms and Camping Ban Begins

Charities in the potential path of Cyclone Alfred are asking to open evacuation centres for rough sleepers, warning that thousands of lives could be at risk as extreme weather intensifies.

Read: Woody Point Rough Sleepers Face Strict Bans on Pets and Camping

Northwest Community Group founder Paul Slater said he made several attempts on Monday, 3 March, to contact Brisbane for advice on evacuation centres but was yet to receive clear information.

Moreton Bay advised residents to check the council’s Disaster Dashboard for up-to-date information on evacuation centres but said crisis accommodation for homeless individuals was a matter for the Department of Housing. However, as of noon on Tuesday, the dashboard still showed no evacuation centres or refuge sites open as Cyclone Alfred nears.

Queensland’s social services body, QCOSS, warned that “a tent or car will not protect [homeless individuals] from the predicted brutality of strong winds and heavy rainfall.”

MPs wrote the Queensland Minister for Housing on Monday, expressing concern for people sleeping rough in the inner city. On Tuesday, Mr Max Chandler-Mather confirmed the Department of Housing had activated Critical Response Teams to visit known areas where homeless people reside and was connecting them with emergency accommodation.

Meanwhile, Nourish Street founder Beau Haywood, who provides outreach services throughout the Moreton Bay region, spent Monday night informing rough sleepers about the risks of Cyclone Alfred.

Moreton Bay Bans Homeless Camping Amid Worsening Crisi

The City of Moreton Bay has officially banned homeless people from camping in public spaces, making it illegal to sleep in parks, streets, or in vehicles across the region.

The move follows the repeal of the council’s Persons Experiencing Homelessness Camping Framework, which previously allowed some leniency for rough sleepers on council land.

The crackdown means that as of 12 March 2025, those found camping in public spaces may face removal, with enforcement carried out by eight new council officers alongside Queensland Police Service. Council will operate under a complaint-based system, responding to reports from the community.

The timing of this decision has drawn criticism, with many arguing that banning public camping just as a cyclone threatens the region puts vulnerable people at even greater risk.

“City of Moreton Bay is aware of how complex an issue homelessness is, and we acknowledge that this change will not be welcomed by everyone,” Scott Waters, City of Moreton Bay CEO announced.

“The health and safety of people experiencing homelessness is core to this change and repealing the Framework will enable these individuals to get the critical support they need.”
City of Moreton Bay CEO, Scott Waters

Woody Point’s Gayundah Arboretum Park Shut Down

rough sleepers could be at risk against Cyclone Alfred — Gayundah Arboretum Park (Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook)

The policy shift has had immediate effects, particularly in Woody Point, where the Gayundah Arboretum Park was closed on February 17 due to worsening public health and safety concerns.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said a review of the site found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and active vermin breeding, making the area unsafe for both campers and the general public.

“It’s just not safe for people to be residing in these conditions, nor for the community to continue to use this public space,” Shipway said. The park has been fenced off, and remediation works—expected to take six months—will involve sanitation, ground maintenance, and restoration of vegetation.

Showgrounds as a Possible Alternative?

In response to the looming displacement of homeless people, Mayor Peter Flannery has proposed allowing rough sleepers to stay in state-owned showgrounds. He called on the Queensland Government to lift restrictions preventing their use as emergency housing and to fund necessary amenities such as security, water, and power.

The council’s tough stance has drawn mixed reactions. While some residents support the measures due to safety concerns, others argue that criminalising homelessness does not address the root causes.

Q Shelter, the peak body for frontline housing and homelessness services in Queensland, called the repeal “disappointing” and expressed concern that it will further disadvantage vulnerable individuals impacted by the worsening housing and homelessness crisis.

“We appreciate that homelessness and rough sleeping are highly complex issues, particularly when also managing public safety considerations. But the challenge remains that these highly vulnerable people are living in public spaces because they have nowhere else to go.”
Q Shelter Acting CEO Jackson Hills

Meanwhile, the City of Moreton Bay reassured the public that it will keep working with the State Government’s Department of Housing to help individuals find alternative accommodation and access necessary support.

Read: Woody Point: Navigating Disparities Between Affluence and Housing Insecurity

With homeless individuals now facing tighter restrictions, the focus will be on whether alternative solutions, like the use of showgrounds, gain government support—or if more people are left struggling to find shelter.

Published 4-March-2025

Moreton Bay Unhoused Forced to Relocate as Camps Shut Down

A group of unhoused residents at Woody Point were forced to leave their makeshift camp after Moreton Bay Council fenced off the site, citing serious health concerns. The eviction left several people, including a woman escaping domestic violence, without a place to go. Despite offers of emergency housing, some say they have been left stranded with nowhere suitable to live.

Eviction at Woody Point: A Sudden Displacement

Residents at the Gayundah Coastal Arboretum camp were given seven days’ notice before authorities arrived to clear the site on Monday, 17 February. The decision followed a review that found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and other health hazards. Fencing around the area was installed while police supervised as the last few residents packed their belongings and left.

One woman, who had been living at the site for six months while hiding from a domestic violence perpetrator, said she had not yet secured safe housing. She expressed frustration, stating that while housing services had been in contact, they had not yet found suitable accommodation for her and her dog.

Another resident, who gave his name as “Toothpick,” acknowledged the camp was not a long-term solution but felt that the situation could have been handled better. He had secured housing in Caboolture but worried about others who had nowhere to go.

While some community members welcomed the eviction, calling the site an eyesore, others believed the situation exposed the lack of support for people with no home.

Unhoused camp in Moreton Bay — *Photo Credit: Chris Forbes/Facebook*

Suttons Beach Park Residents Face Fines for Staying Put

The evictions at Woody Point were not an isolated incident. Just days earlier, on Friday, 14 February, Council also issued compliance notices to unhoused people at Suttons Beach Park in Redcliffe, threatening them with fines of up to $8,065 if they did not remove their belongings from public land by Sunday at midnight.

According to the notices, their presence violated council rules about “storing goods on public land,” a regulation that advocates argue unfairly targets unhoused people with no private land to store their possessions.

Beau Haywood, a local charity worker, said the fines were unreasonable, as those affected had no choice but to keep their belongings in public spaces. Some residents, like Trent Heselden, had been living in the park for nine months while waiting for social housing. He described the experience as a cycle of constantly moving from one location to another, hoping not to be evicted again.

Council denied accusations that they were trying to criminalise the unhoused and said the regulations were about keeping public spaces accessible to the broader community. A spokesperson stated that no fines had been issued yet, only warnings.

Council Defends Action, But Housing Support Falls Short

Moreton Bay Council insists that all affected individuals were offered emergency accommodation through Queensland’s Department of Housing. However, some residents dispute this, saying they were not given realistic or suitable options.

Council argues that the removals were necessary due to public health risks, particularly at Woody Point, where the park will now undergo a six-month remediation process to restore the area. Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway defended the decision, saying that camping in these conditions was unsafe for both the unhoused and the broader community.

However, unhoused advocates warn that simply moving people from one location to another does not solve the problem. They say Queensland’s housing shortage is the real issue, with Moreton Bay experiencing a 90% increase in homelessness over the last decade.

While some displaced residents have found alternative housing, others remain uncertain about their future. Without enough emergency or long-term housing options, advocates worry that many will simply move to another park or street, continuing the cycle of displacement.

Published 18-February-2025

Woody Point Unhoused Camp Shut Down Over Health Risks

A camp filled with rough sleepers in Woody Point will be shut down after officials from the City of Moreton Bay declared the site a serious public health risk, forcing the unhoused to vacate within seven days.

Human waste, drug paraphernalia, and vermin were cited as the key reasons for the move, stating that the area at the Gayundah Arboretum will require six months of remediation work costing more than $110,000.

Community Concerns and Council’s Decision

On Monday, 10 February, eviction notices were issued to around a dozen unhoused individuals living in the park. City officials, along with Queensland Police and the Department of Housing, oversaw the closure, with fencing expected to be installed to block access.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said the decision was based on urgent health and safety concerns rather than a broader discussion on homelessness. She said using syringes, toilet paper, rotting food, and breeding mosquitoes posed a risk to the camp’s residents and the wider community.

Residents had previously voiced frustration over the park’s state, saying it had become unsafe and unclean. Some community members welcomed the action from officials, while others questioned the lack of permanent housing solutions for those being moved.

Impact on Unhoused Locals

For many of the park’s residents, eviction is another destabilising blow. Aiden Thomson, who has been living at Woody Point on and off for years, said he and others feel like they are being punished for the actions of a few.

Gayundah Arboretum — *Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay*

While some individuals at the camp may have hoarding tendencies, he said, the entire group should not be made to suffer. Thomson added that many will simply move to another park, as affordable housing options remain out of reach.

Jaki Rose, a 59-year-old hospitality worker, said she had been promised temporary accommodation but was given no indication of whether it would be permanent or suitable. She had previously been denied social housing because her income was slightly over the eligibility threshold, yet she still couldn’t afford private rentals in Moreton Bay’s soaring market. She described the situation as falling through the cracks, with no real pathway to stable housing.

Temporary Housing: A Short-Term Fix?

In a previous eviction at Woody Point, the rough sleepers were temporarily placed in motels for a food and wine festival. Some fear the same cycle will repeat—a short-term solution without lasting support.

Advocate Beau Heywood, from Nourish Street, said he hopes the housing provided this time is long-term and suited to individual needs. He has been working with homeless individuals in Moreton Bay for nearly a year and said the process of securing stable accommodation is painfully slow, with only 11 people housed in 11 months.

For some, temporary accommodation is not an option. Aiden Quinn, a long-time park resident, said he would rather stay on the streets than be placed in a motel, which he compared to a jail cell. Others pointed out that motel rooms lack basic facilities like cooking appliances, making them unsuitable for long-term living.

While Council insists the Woody Point eviction is a health matter, homelessness advocates argue that without proper support, those affected will simply be displaced again.

Published 12-February-2025

Building a Legacy: Dolphins Commit to Youth Talent in Groundbreaking League

In a landmark development that reinforces the Dolphins’ commitment to nurturing local talent, the NRL’s newest franchise is set to play a pivotal role in an innovative youth competition alongside Queensland’s established clubs.

Read: Gayundah Arboretum Closure: Public Health Risks Prompt Six-Month Cleanup

Dolphins Strengthen Development Pipeline

The collaboration between the NRL Dolphins and their Queensland rivals—the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys, and Gold Coast Titans—represents a significant step forward for the club. For supporters in the Moreton Bay region, this competition offers an exciting opportunity to watch emerging talent don the Dolphins’ colours while taking part in a crucial development program.

The timing is ideal, as the club continues to establish its long-term development structures. By providing a platform for identifying and refining young players, the competition ensures a sustainable future built on home-grown talent.

Bridging the Development Gap

Scheduled to commence in May, after the Mal Meninga Cup concludes, the nine-week competition addresses a critical gap in the development pathway. It offers valuable high-level experience for young Dolphins prospects who may not yet be ready for Queensland Cup action with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

The round-robin format will see the Dolphins face each of their Queensland rivals twice. Some games could even serve as curtain-raisers to NRL fixtures, giving fans additional opportunities to support their club’s future stars while experiencing the development of promising young players firsthand.

Strategic Advantage for 2026

This initiative arrives at a crucial moment for the Dolphins, particularly with the NRL planning to reintroduce the National Youth Competition as an under-21s league in 2026. The new competition provides the club with an opportunity to build a robust junior development system from the ground up, unlike their more established Queensland counterparts. By taking a proactive approach now, the Dolphins will be well-positioned when the national competition launches, having already laid strong foundations for their youth program.

Read: Redcliffe Art Gallery to Open 2025 Exhibition Season with ‘15 Artists’ and ‘Joe Furlonger: Horizons’

The competition particularly resonates with the Dolphins’ commitment to their local community. Young players from the Moreton Bay region and surrounding areas will have a clearer pathway to professional rugby league without leaving their home region, strengthening the bond between the club and its grassroots supporters.

Published 10-February-2025

Redcliffe Leads the Way in New Developments: Key Projects to Watch in 2025

Redcliffe is undergoing significant changes with a mix of residential, retail, and recreational developments that will transform the area into a vibrant community. These key projects aim to enhance the suburb’s appeal and boost the local economy.

Read: Moreton Bay Gears Up for Tourism Boom with New Hotels on the Horizon

One Redcliffe (Proposed)

Photo credit: Gardner Vaughan Group/DA/2024/2575

One Redcliffe, a mixed-use development with 214 apartments and retail spaces, is set to be a transformative addition to the community. Positioned at the corner of Anzac Ave and Redcliffe Pde, it promises to stimulate local economic growth and enhance the area’s livability.

Essence on Sutton (Underway)

Essence on Sutton, currently under construction at 4-8 Sutton St, offers two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. With over 70 percent of the units sold before construction even started, the development by Crown Properties is expected to be completed by late 2025.

Marine Pde (Proposed)

Photo credit: Elevation Architecture/ DA/2024/4695

Plans for a seven-storey apartment building at Marine Pde are under review. The development, located at 25 Marine Pde, will feature five exclusive apartments with ground-level parking, adding a touch of luxury to the Redcliffe foreshore.

Woody Point: Expanding Residential Choices

Woody Point is growing with projects like Tydal Sands, a residential development that is 75 percent sold, and Orilla, which is nearing completion and will offer recreational spaces for its residents. These projects are helping meet the demand for modern housing in this seaside area.

Scarborough: Adding Luxury to the Seaside

Scarborough is home to high-end developments like The Oscar, a nine-storey building with premium apartments, and Marin, a residential project nearing completion with scenic views and modern amenities. Both projects will offer luxury coastal living for future residents.

Rothwell: A Growing Suburb with Big Plans

Rothwell is set to see major developments, including a Retirement Village with 97 units and the Rothwell Homemaker Centre, a commercial hub slated for completion in mid-2026. These projects will meet the needs of both residents and businesses in the area.

Clontarf: Residential Growth and More

Clontarf is planning a 10-storey residential development on Hornibrook Pde, which will include 102 units and ample parking. This project will add much-needed housing options to the growing suburb.

Suttons Beach Pavilion: A New Era for Local Landmarks

A new Suttons Beach Pavilion will replace the old one, offering a modern space for the community. Construction will begin in mid-2025, with completion expected in 12 months, enhancing the local beachfront area.

Read: High-Rise Living Comes to Woody Point, Redcliffe with New Development Proposal

Looking Ahead

With these exciting key projects, Redcliffe and its neighbouring suburbs are set to become vibrant hubs of growth and opportunity. From luxurious waterfront apartments to community-driven developments, these projects reflect the vision for a prosperous future in the Moreton Bay region.

Published 16-January-2025

Moreton Bay Gears Up for Tourism Boom with New Hotels on the Horizon

With tourism on the rise and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games fast approaching, the demand for additional accommodation in Moreton Bay has never been greater.

Read: High-Rise Living Comes to Woody Point, Redcliffe with New Development Proposal

The region is striving to establish itself as “Australia’s next hotel hotspot,” with a series of bold plans and proposals underway. While four hotels are currently in various stages of planning and approval, experts suggest the area will require at least twice as many to meet future needs.

A Growing Need for Hotels

Mayor Peter Flannery highlighted the region’s needs two years ago, stating that Moreton Bay would require eight new hotels with 1035 rooms by 2032. Invest Moreton Bay’s latest findings go even further, suggesting demand could support up to 10 new hotels and over 1500 rooms right now. Here are the potential locations for the upcoming hotels in the region.

Bluewater Square

Photo Credit: DA/2022/5128/MoretonBayCouncil

One of the standout projects is the proposed hotel at Bluewater Square in Redcliffe. Approved by the Moreton Bay Regional Council in 2023, this development by Elanor Investor Group will include an eight-storey, 142-room hotel above the shopping centre.

Featuring public art and murals on its facade, the hotel will also include a rooftop bar open to both guests and the public, a function area, kitchen, and swimming pool. Guests will be treated to breathtaking views of Moreton Island. Positioned at the corner of Sutton Street and Anzac Avenue, the project promises to elevate Redcliffe’s profile as a destination.

Kippa-Ring

In nearby Kippa-Ring, the Dolphins have announced plans for a master planned community. They aim to leverage the club’s expertise in food and beverage, rugby league, and tourism attractions.

A hotel would complement a major redevelopment of the site, including an expanded stadium and a modern conference centre located at the corner of Klingner and Ashmole Roads.

Irene St

Redcliffe’s potential doesn’t end there. According to the Tourism Opportunity Plan, there’s an immediate need for a 225-room hotel, with demand expected to grow to support a 250-room internationally-branded conference and convention hotel by 2031. A likely location for this development could be Irene Street, home to the current Council administration centre.

Other Opportunities in Moreton Bay

Beyond these key projects, several other areas in Moreton Bay are exploring opportunities for hotel development:

Mango Hill: A five-storey, 112-room eco-lifestyle hotel has received approval.
North Lakes: Plans are progressing for a 4-5-star hotel with event and conference facilities.
Eatons Hill: A proposed 180-room hotel near the South Pine Sports Complex is under consideration.
The Mill at Petrie: Two 200-room hotels are projected to meet demand by 2029.
Caboolture: A 100-room hotel is planned as part of a redevelopment near Lower King Street.
Hinterland and Bribie Island: Boutique properties with 20-40 suites are being discussed.
Dakabin and Strathpine: New hotels are in development by the Comiskey Group.

Read: The Dolphins Roundup: Phins Lock in Donoghoe, Lemuelu While Gearing Up for Fan-Friendly 2025

Looking Ahead

As Moreton Bay prepares for a surge in tourism, these hotel developments are set to transform the region into a premier destination for both leisure and business visitors. Bluewater Square, Redcliffe, and Kippa-Ring are poised to take centre stage, showcasing the vibrant evolution of this thriving area.

Published 16-January-2025

Rising Through the Ranks: Georgia Voll and the Ashes Dream

From the grounds of Sandgate-Redcliffe Cricket Club to the international stage, the meteoric rise of Georgia Voll meteoric rise is a testament to Queensland cricket’s grassroots development. The 21-year-old batting sensation now stands on the brink of a potential Ashes debut, carrying forward the proud tradition of her local club.

Read: Australia Day Celebrations to Take Over Scarborough Beach Park

Sandgate-Redcliffe Gator makes international impact

Voll’s recent performance for the Governor-General’s XI—smashing 57 off 42 balls against England’s formidable attack—marks another chapter in her remarkable ascent. This follows her breakout ODI series against India, where she announced herself on the international stage with scores of 46 not out, 101, and 26.

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The Gator’s technique has proven equally effective against world-class bowlers. Striking 11 fours in her recent knock against England exemplifies the attacking mindset developed through years of grade cricket.

Georgia Voll, from backyard cricket to international arena

Growing up in Highfields near Toowoomba, Voll’s cricket journey began in a backyard large enough for a makeshift cricket pitch. This foundation, combined with structured development at Sandgate-Redcliffe, produced a technically sound yet aggressive batter capable of adapting to any situation.

“I think I’m ready,” Voll says with characteristic modesty when asked about her potential Ashes participation. Her willingness to bat anywhere in the order reflects the versatility instilled during her formative years at club level.

Despite her impressive form, Voll faces tough competition for a spot in Australia’s star-studded lineup. Coach Shelley Nitschke acknowledges the selection dilemma, noting that Voll’s performances are “putting pressure on some spots.”

Read: Redcliffe Fire Station: A Look Back at Its Storied Past

Whether Voll takes the field in the upcoming Ashes series or not, her rise from local club cricket to international recognition serves as an inspiration for young cricketers at Sandgate-Redcliffe. Her story demonstrates that with talent, determination, and the right support structure, the path from local grounds to wearing the baggy green remains alive and well.

Published 11-January-2025

Private Security Hired to Assist Redcliffe Workers Amid Rough Sleeper Site Concerns

Photo Credit: Evelyn Simak/Creative Common Licence

Private security has been deployed in Redcliffe to accompany workers after reports of escalating violence near rough sleeper sites raised safety concerns for workers tasked to maintain public spaces.

Safety Measures for Council Workers

Since 30 December 2024, the City of Moreton Bay introduced the measure to protect workers tasked with maintaining public spaces, including parks and beaches. These workers have been instructed to remain 50 metres away from such sites unless accompanied by private security staff.

A spokesperson said these steps comply with a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland order and aim to safeguard employees while ensuring the cleanliness of public facilities. The decision followed numerous complaints about overflowing bins and unsanitary conditions, particularly in Redcliffe and nearby Woody Point.

Community Response

Community members and advocates have expressed mixed views on the decision. Beau Haywood, founder of the community initiative Nourish Street, questioned the necessity of hiring private security, noting he had not observed any incidents of abuse or violence involving rough sleepers in the area.

Jaki Rose, a who camps at Woody Point, voiced concerns that delays in maintaining facilities could harm both the homeless and the general public. She stated that she and others in her situation had often taken on cleaning responsibilities themselves to prevent health risks.

Increase in Homelessness

The City of Moreton Bay estimates around 200 individuals are experiencing regional housing insecurity, marking a sharp increase over the past decade. Council reports a 250 per cent rise in referrals for rough sleepers in the last two years alone.

Redcliffe rough sleepers deal with housing insecurity — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Mr Peter Flannery noted that complaints about public health, safety, and amenity issues in areas such as Redcliffe and Woody Point have surged in response to this trend.

In addition to hiring security, Council recently passed new regulations prohibiting homeless people from owning pets, citing safety concerns. The move has faced criticism from some who argue it unfairly targets a vulnerable population.

Efforts to Balance Safety and Compassion

While officials emphasised the need to address safety and hygiene issues, some locals believe the measures may alienate homeless individuals. Advocacy groups have called for more supportive interventions, such as housing initiatives, to address the root causes of homelessness in the area.

Despite differing perspectives, the priority of ensuring the safety of workers, residents, and visitors while maintaining public spaces remains.

Published 2-Jan-2025