Make our parks and public spaces safe for all: Petition calls for urgent action on homelessness

Helen Tagg: “Where is the compassion for people who just want to enjoy Nambour without being harassed or afraid?” 

By Cameron Outridge

A growing groundswell of community concern over homelessness and public safety in Nambour has prompted a local woman to launch a petition calling on the authorities to act.

As of yesterday (August 5) the petition had attracted more than 685 signatures.

Launched by Nambour resident Helen Tagg, the petition urges Sunshine Coast Council to address what it describes as escalating health, safety and environmental problems linked to long-term camping in public spaces – particularly from people arriving from outside the region.

“Residents report public drug use, verbal abuse, intimidation, and environmental damage,” the petition states. “Volunteer groups like BushCare have withdrawn from certain areas due to safety concerns.”

Mrs Tagg said the issue had been building for some time, but community patience was wearing thin.

“The frustration now is about unsafe, aggressive, and intimidating behaviour in public spaces,” she wrote in a post.  “The kind that’s driving locals away, damaging businesses, destroying our beautiful flora and fauna, and degrading areas we all share.”

She said the community could no longer be silenced by accusations of lacking compassion.

“I’ve been homeless. I know exactly what it’s like. But I shouldn’t have to bleed my story out just to be allowed an opinion. 

“And even if I hadn’t lived it, I’m still allowed to speak. We all are.

“This community has coexisted with homelessness for years. That’s not what people are angry about.”

“Where is the compassion for business owners, workers, parents, kids, elderly residents? People who just want to enjoy Nambour without being harassed or afraid – the very people that live here, own businesses, shop here, donate, pay rates and keep the town economy flowing, so homeless people can have access to all the services they need? Are they not all entitled to respect and compassion too?” 

The petition calls for increased patrols, improved lighting, designated support sites with hygiene facilities, and better collaboration with the Queensland Government on housing and outreach.

It also seeks enforceable rules to discourage long-term camping and regular clean-ups of damaged natural areas.

“This isn’t about division,” Mrs Tagg said. “Wanting safe, clean, shared spaces doesn’t make you heartless. It makes you part of this community.”

One mother, Ashy, summed up her frustrations on the Living in Nambour page: “Literally avoid every park, long grassy areas my kids could play in. The fear of them stepping on one of the million ... needles around town isn’t worth it.”

The petition requests Council to:

• Develop enforceable guidelines to deter long-term camping and ensure timely removal from public areas;

• Provide alternative locations with hygiene facilities and outreach services;

• Increase patrols of homeless encampments and community spaces to improve safety;

• Install lighting, signage, and surveillance to discourage overnight stays;

• Collaborate with the Queensland Government to manage inflows and expand housing options;

• Clean up and restore damaged natural spaces regularly;

• Communicate clearly with residents on actions and progress;

• We seek a compassionate but urgent response that restores safety, dignity, and fair access to public spaces for all.

How to sign the petition

• The petition can be found online at www.change.org under the title ‘Make Our Parks and Public Spaces Safe Again: Take Urgent Action on Homelessness in Nambour’.