The photo was shared on social media without comment, but it quickly ignited a discussion among locals.
While many expressed sympathy for those struggling with homelessness, others were frustrated with the state of the camp and the waste piling up in the area.
“I feel so sorry that life has resorted to this for them, but at the same time, it’s not hard to keep a camp clean and tidy. This is foul,” one woman wrote.
Others called on the council to provide more bins and amenities to help address the issue.
The Alarming Rise of Homelessness in Moreton Bay
The City of Moreton Bay has seen a significant increase in homelessness over the past decade, with the latest census data showing a near doubling of the homeless population.
In the past two years, referrals to the council of people sleeping rough have increased by a staggering 250%.
The social housing system has not kept pace with the demand, leaving many without a safe and secure place to call home.
Controversial Council Measures
In December, the City of Moreton Bay introduced amendments to a local law that banned rough sleepers from having pets and prohibited them from sleeping in vans on public land, with fines of over $800 for those who don’t comply.
The council claimed that the measures were necessary to address illegal behavior, including drug taking, assaults, and littering.
However, many argued that the measures were too harsh and would only exacerbate the problem.
A National Crisis
The issue of homelessness is not unique to Moreton Bay, with cities across Australia struggling to cope with the growing number of people without a safe and secure place to live.
According to the Productivity Commission, there were 37,779 people experiencing persistent homelessness in 2023/24, a 25% increase from five years earlier.
The proportion of people facing persistent homelessness climbed to 22.5%, with many struggling to maintain housing without adequate support.
The Urgent Need for Action
Despite an increase in funding for homelessness services, many people are still being turned away.
In 2023/24, an average of 208 people were turned away from homelessness services each day, with 53,292 people receiving no housing assistance at all.
The rise in long-term homelessness has occurred alongside a surge in housing costs, including rents, new home purchases, and utilities. It’s clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those in need.
What Can Be Done?
The issue of homelessness is complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and compassionate approach.
This includes increasing investment in support services, providing affordable housing options, and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to homelessness.
By working together, we can help to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness and provide a safer, more secure future for all Australians.