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In West End, homeless individuals and families have been forced to relocate from public parks as enforcement teams clear tent encampments, leaving many with limited options for shelter.

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On 15 December 2024, Sasha Harmond and her partner Matthew Schulz were ordered to pack up their tent in Orleigh Park. The directive came just a day after Sasha’s eight-year-old son, Elijah, passed away in hospital on 14 December. Among their confiscated belongings was a small memorial box containing Elijah’s keepsakes, which was later recovered on 19 December after persistent calls to authorities.

While Sasha and Matthew managed to move a few hundred metres to an adjacent park, most of their belongings, including essential items, were destroyed. Sasha described the experience as “spiteful” and “deliberate,” saying it felt like they were being made an example of.

A Growing Issue in West End

Homelessness in West End has become much more visible in recent years, with rising rents and a lack of affordable housing pushing more people into makeshift shelters like tents. Parks such as Orleigh and Musgrave have become common spots for rough sleepers, sparking community concerns around safety and hygiene.

Authorities responded in October 2024 by increasing patrols and shutting off public amenities like power outlets and barbecues in certain parks to discourage long-term stays. These measures followed reports of antisocial behaviour and safety incidents.

Reports suggest public complaints often drive these clearances rather than immediate safety risks. A city employee noted, “The hardest part of our job is balancing public requests to remove the homeless with calls to do more for them.”

The Challenges of Relocation

Temporary housing is sometimes offered to those displaced, but it often comes with conditions—like separating families or couples—that make it a less-than-ideal option. Sasha and Matthew were among those offered accommodation requiring them to live apart, which they declined.

Queensland’s social housing waitlist remains long, with an average wait time exceeding two-and-a-half years as of September 2024. Advocacy groups argue that these park clearances simply move vulnerable people along without addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Community Sentiment Mixed

Locals are split on the issue. Some express frustration over safety concerns and how public spaces are being used, while others are calling for more compassion and practical support for those affected.

Local advocate Paul Slater, who has been donating tents and supplies to rough sleepers, criticised the clearances as “spiteful” and unhelpful. He shared examples where tents donated to people in need were confiscated and discarded almost immediately.

University of Queensland social sciences professor Cameron Parsell highlighted the visibility of homelessness as a political act, saying, “Rather than being frustrated with people living in tents, we should be frustrated with the lack of affordable housing.”

What Lies Ahead?

For Sasha, Matthew, and others in similar situations, the future remains unclear. They’ve now set up in another nearby park, bringing with them only what little they could salvage.

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With Brisbane’s housing crisis still far from resolved, advocates continue calling for real investment in long-term housing solutions to prevent further displacement.

Published 2-Jan-2024