Police and city officials have removed homeless residents and tents from Musgrave Park in West End, prompting concerns from community groups and advocacy organisations.
Repeat Clear-Outs Ahead of Festival
Dozens of rough sleepers were displaced from Musgrave Park in West End during an early-morning operation involving police and BCC workers. The move occurred ahead of the Paniyiri Greek Festival, which is scheduled to return to the park next weekend.
Similar operations took place in 2023 and 2024, with over 50 people removed from the park before the festival each year. Council maintains the timing is coincidental and not linked to the event.
Official Stance and Actions
BCC stated the action aligned with its policy to intervene only when accommodation has been offered and declined. Officers affixed notices on Wednesday morning, with removals beginning around 6 a.m. the next day. Reports indicate that people were woken and given 30 minutes to gather their belongings.
The Queensland Police Service confirmed no arrests or move-on directions were issued. Police were present to maintain safety during the operation.
Housing and Data Issues
Local official Sam O’Connor said outreach workers had recently visited Musgrave Park and would continue offering support. He denied any directive from the new state government influenced council actions.
The Department of Housing has faced criticism for relying on outdated census data from 2021. There is no publicly available up-to-date data on how many people are currently sleeping rough in Brisbane.
At the last census, over 2000 people in Queensland were believed to be living without shelter, with about 22,000 classified as having no secure housing.
Community Reactions and Criticism
Several advocacy groups, including the Community Union Defence League and Anti-Poverty Network, expressed concern over the operation’s execution. Witnesses described the process as abrupt, distressing, and lacking adequate notice or support.
Volunteers reported being threatened with obstruction charges when attempting to assist with packing. Some people relocated tents to another area of the park.
Local officials Trina Massey and Lucy Collier criticised the council’s approach, describing it as coercive and misrepresentative of the actual housing support offered.
BCC officials argued the encampments raised safety issues, citing violence, drug use, and anti-social behaviour. They accused the local officials of resisting housing development while criticising enforcement actions.
Paniyiri Committee Response
The Paniyiri Greek Festival organisers released a statement distancing themselves from the eviction decision. They acknowledged homelessness as a sensitive issue and reiterated that decisions around removals were made by council.
They noted that in 2024, accommodation and alternative spaces were made available for those affected and said they aimed to ensure a similar approach this year.
Outlook
While some residents accepted housing offers, others claimed they were left with limited options. Advocacy groups continue to call for exclusion zones to protect rough sleepers during public events.
The State officials maintain that homelessness outreach will remain in place at Musgrave Park in West End, with longer-term housing strategies still in development.
Published 9-May-2025
