December 18th 2024.
A recent decision made by a council in Queensland has sparked controversy as they have banned homeless individuals from keeping pets or sleeping in vans in public areas. Anyone caught breaking these rules could face steep fines. The City of Moreton Bay council unanimously passed this ban during their meeting last Thursday. Mayor Peter Flannery shared that there are over 200 people living on the streets in the Moreton Bay area, which prompted the council to take action.
During the meeting, Mayor Flannery expressed concern about the complaints they had received regarding people camping in public spaces for extended periods of time. He also mentioned that there have been reports of attacks from unrestrained animals. These issues have resulted in an annual expenditure of over $2 million for the council, with the costs only increasing in the past year. Flannery made it clear that this was unacceptable and something needed to be done.
As part of their new homelessness framework, the council has prohibited public sleeping in caravans, camper trailers, and other vehicles. These vehicles have been deemed to have a negative impact on public spaces and should instead be used in designated caravan parks or other areas. The framework also includes a ban on keeping animals in public spaces, as Mayor Flannery believes that they pose a risk to public safety.
Councillor Sandra Ruck took to social media to defend the council's decision, stating that individuals experiencing homelessness could still remain on site as long as they comply with certain responsibilities. These responsibilities include not causing any disruptions for other community members or council officers, refraining from illegal activities, and keeping the area clean and safe.
It is important to note that there are currently no state-wide laws prohibiting individuals from sleeping in their cars. However, local councils have the power to implement by-laws, and in areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Fraser Coast, and Sunshine Coast, there are already restrictions in place. Generally, people are only allowed to sleep in their cars in designated areas where camping is permitted.
For those looking to stay updated on the latest news, sports, politics, and weather, the 9NEWS app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Stay informed and receive notifications straight to your smartphone.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
