Dozens of people sleeping rough at a makeshift campsite in Queensland have reportedly been targeted by vandals, with tents damaged and personal belongings destroyed or scattered.
Among those affected was 53-year-old grandmother Debby Lake, who has been staying at the Kippa-Ring campsite in Moreton Bay after becoming homeless.
Lake returned to the campsite to discover her tent had been pulled down and a number of her possessions damaged. Her solar panels were also reportedly smashed.
She said the incident was deeply upsetting and described the ongoing treatment of people experiencing homelessness as degrading. Lake also claimed objects had previously been thrown at tents and that people sometimes shouted abuse while driving past the campsite.
Her daughter, Crystal, said her mother was left in tears after seeing the damage.
Other people staying at the campsite have also expressed concerns that rough sleepers are being deliberately targeted.
Beau Haywood, founder of homelessness support service Nourish Street, said incidents involving harassment of people sleeping rough were not isolated. He said vulnerable people experiencing homelessness increasingly faced difficult and sometimes hostile conditions.
Council proposes free camping site
The incident comes as the City of Moreton Bay considers new measures to respond to the increasing number of people sleeping rough across the region.
The council has unanimously supported a plan to establish a 60-site free camping area at Wyllie Park in Petrie as part of a 12-month trial.
The site would provide a voluntary, no-cost camping option, including for people experiencing homelessness.
Haywood welcomed the concept but said appropriate support services and careful management would be essential.
He noted that homelessness affects a wide range of people, including families with children, older Australians, vulnerable women, people experiencing mental health difficulties and those dealing with addiction.
Haywood suggested beginning with a smaller number of camping sites before expanding the program if it proves successful.
He also said people staying at the site would need reliable access to healthcare, housing assistance, mental health and addiction support, and help navigating government services.
While providing a secure place for people to pitch a tent could offer immediate relief, Haywood warned that temporary campsites should not become a substitute for long-term housing solutions.
The incident highlights the challenges facing Australians experiencing homelessness as communities and governments continue searching for ways to provide both immediate safety and sustainable housing support.
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