Authorities address child safety reports near town camps
File photo of a homeless camp in Nambour.
By Cameron Outridge
Child safety concerns have been raised about vulnerable young people reportedly spending time in homeless encampments near the Aldi carpark in Nambour.
A reliable source has told the Gazette that several teenagers have been seen in the camps over recent weeks. They include young people who are themselves homeless, as well as children from local families.
The source said the situation was deeply troubling given the complex issues within the adult rough sleeper population, which includes people battling drug and alcohol addiction, untreated mental illness and, in some cases, criminal histories.
Police: no substantiated reports
Concerns were also been raised online about the wellbeing and safety of local teenagers in the area and risks of sexual abuse.
Meawnhile, one man’s online comments in August alleged an inappropriate relationship involving a girl (under 16) and a man in his late 20s in a local camp.
Police said they had investigated but could not substantiate these claims. A QPS spokesperson said: “Local police are aware of these comments, however no credible information or formal reports have been made to officers at this time. Officers appeal to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour to report it to Policelink on 131 444 or to their local police station.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Child Safety said the department could not comment on individual cases, but said the safety and wellbeing of children and young people was always their highest priority.
“We are aware of the concerns raised about young people attending Quota Park.
“We have been working collaboratively with police, the Department of Housing, local government, youth and family support services to address the issues identified.
“Together, we are working to act on immediate safety concerns, while providing young people with the holistic support they need to address broader factors that contribute to their vulnerability.
“This includes partnering with police and other key services to protect vulnerable children in care from any form of mistreatment including sexual abuse and exploitation.
“We would urge any young person in care who is in need of support or protection to reach out to their child safety officer, the police or another trusted adult – there will always be someone
‘Deeply alarming: Parks are not homes’
Homelessness petition organiser Helen Tagg said the presence of children in camps, some reportedly sleeping rough alongside adults, only amplified calls for a coordinated response from authorities.
“I have been contacted by concerned residents about the unsafe conditions faced by teenagers living in local parks. As a former youth worker, I find this deeply alarming. Early intervention is critical in addressing homelessness, but the situation in our town suggests we may already be too late in many ways.
“The lack of adequate regulation in Nambour is a failure to both those experiencing homelessness and the wider public. It is simply unacceptable for this to continue. Parks are not homes. And both government and council must play their part in providing housing alternatives and enforcing clear camping regulations.
“I will continue to press for urgent action. Nambour deserves better.”
Parent’s plea highlights family struggles
One parent revealed on Living in Nambour in August that their 15-year-old son was living in the encampments. “Hardest part was when the police send me a msg after a missing person advising me he is 15 and can self place … under a bridge … I’ve also been told to (physically) remove the child would be considered assault on my own child as he wishes to stay in a tent doin drugs, breaking into servos in Nambour, burning down property. Eight months ago he didn’t even know what most drugs were.”
Concerns have been raised about the proximity of the camps to schools and public parks.
“We all feel for people who’ve fallen on hard times,” a businessperson said. “But this has gone beyond compassion. It’s about protecting our kids and reclaiming our community.”
Business owners have long complained of declining safety and customers avoiding the CBD, while residents continue to express alarm about thefts, open drug use and violent behaviour.
Front line charities, businesspeople and community leaders have repeatedly warned that Nambour’s mix of homelessness, drug and alcohol issues and public safety concerns required urgent attention – not just for the wellbeing of rough sleepers, but for the wider community.