Brisbane City Council cuts power access at Musgrave Park following what officials describe as a serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour at homeless encampments.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The council’s action comes after reports of stabbings, fires, and vandalism at the sites over the past month, according to Councillor Sarah Hutton.
“We’re genuinely concerned about the serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour in these encampments, including alleged stabbings, fires, and vandalism of electric barbecues, and have switched off the power for safety reasons,” Hutton said.
While park lighting remains operational, residents who need power can access charging services at nearby facilities including West End Community House and Emmanuel City Mission, which are within walking distance of the park and open seven days a week.
The decision follows a recent tent fire at Musgrave Park where one resident lost all their belongings. Police have determined this particular fire was non-suspicious, with investigators finding it was caused by a power board connected to multiple appliances.
Alisha Risley, who has been living in a tent at Musgrave Park for more than two years, confirmed an increase in drug-fuelled violence at the site. Risley expressed concerns about available housing options and reported that the power cut has affected her ability to charge her phone and communicate with family members.
At Kurilpa Point Park, workers were observed repairing a damaged electrical box lock. Workers reported that residents had been breaking into the switchboard to turn off park lights at night.
Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh acknowledged the camps have been “unsettled” over the past month. “There has certainly been an increase in fires and there’s certainly violence, it happens regularly, when you get that tense build up,” Walsh said.
Walsh called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders, including Brisbane City Council, state government, and community agencies. “We need a coordinated response to how long people are going to be using Musgrave Park as a campsite,” she said, adding that “living in a tent in a park is no way for anyone to live.”
Published 22-October-2024
