An Australian council is so concerned about homelessness that it is hiring private security guards to protect its rubbish collectors from violent attacks while they collect local bins.
The southeast Queensland town of Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, has revealed it has hired a private security company to protect workers clearing areas near the region’s thriving homeless camps.
In a statement issued on Monday, the council said guards would escort staff following an increase in violence and “life-threatening situations”.
The implementation of safety measures comes after reports that toilets are not being cleaned for more than a week and rubbish bins are overflowing.
The council said the number of complaints about homelessness (PEH) and illegal camping has doubled in the last year.
“As a result of ongoing interactions involving some homeless people and some people illegally camping, all Operations and Security personnel have been instructed to remain 50 meters away from PEH and illegal camping in public spaces” said the council.
‘These interactions include escalating violence, aggression and life-threatening situations towards Council staff and the public.
‘This has caused some delays in the regular container service and services in public spaces.
The southeast Queensland town of Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, has hired private security guards to protect workers clearing areas near homeless camps. Pictured is a homeless camp.
The city council stated that “from December 30, 2024, security will accompany City Hall staff to service public spaces where it is possible and safe to do so.” Pictured is a homeless camp.
The council said it has zero tolerance for aggression and violence towards its employees and the new measure “complies with a recent Queensland Workplace Health and Safety order”.
“To address service security challenges, from December 30, 2024, security will accompany Council staff to service public spaces where it is possible and safe to do so,” the council said.
The founder of the Nourish Street community initiative, Beau Haywood, told the courier mail He doesn’t understand why the city council has hired a security detail.
“It could be a way to potentially stop any kind of safety issues that they may perceive, but you know I haven’t seen anyone be abused or mistreated by any homeless person yet,” Haywood said.
The council’s move comes as new legislation was passed last month banning homeless people from owning pets.
Moreton Bay City Mayor Peter Flannery said the council was taking action against homeless people camping in public areas after receiving “hundreds” of complaints from locals.
He said the sharp rise in homelessness in the council area had resulted in a sharp decline in public health, safety and amenities.
The move comes as the City of Moreton Bay passed new legislation last month banning homeless people from owning pets. Mayor Peter Flannery (pictured) insisted it was not safe for homeless people to own dogs.
The council estimates there are currently around 200 homeless people in their district and they have approximately 30 dogs.
A council spokesman claimed the number had increased by 90 per cent in the last 10 years.
“In the last two years there has been a 250 per cent increase in referrals to the council from rough sleepers,” the spokesperson told the Courier Mail.
Mayor Flannery insisted that it was not safe for homeless people to own dogs.
“Public safety concerns are increasing in some municipal parks and we have received hundreds of calls from residents and visitors expressing serious concerns,” he said in a statement.
He said the council had been “lenient” in the past towards homeless people on the issue.
A City of Moreton City Bay spokesperson reiterated the mayor’s claim that keeping animals in public spaces was unsafe and violated local laws.
“This is consistent with our local laws for all members of our community,” they added. “All animals in public spaces must be kept under effective control at all times.”
The new rules completely prohibit homeless people from owning dogs and also include new guidelines on “camping in public spaces in caravans, caravans and other vehicles equipped for camping,” the spokesperson added.