Petitioner flags policy gaps, calls for clarity after council talks

Helen Tagg says Council insists that local laws do not apply to homeless camping “which leaves a loophole wide open.”

Community advocate Helen Tagg says 2026 will mark a shift toward formal processes and clearer accountability after stalled discussions with Sunshine Coast Council about homelessness and safety in Nambour’s parks.

Mrs Tagg said her recent meeting with council executives highlighted the need for clearer policy direction, prompting her to lodge a formal request about responsibility for flooding and risk management in public spaces.

“I have now submitted a formal request requiring council to clarify who is responsible for flooding and risk management in our parks,” she said.

“The moment something goes on paper, the system must respond. So 2026 will be a year of official lodgements, transparency and digging into the policy gaps that keep being brushed aside.”

She said the meeting exposed a lack of consistent standards.

Details of community meeting
on safety and homelessness

Wednesday 28 January 2026, 6.30pm. Presynct Venue, 15 Ann Street, Nambour

Nambour is at a turning point and many of us are feeling the strain in different ways. This meeting is being held so local residents, businesses and community groups can come together and begin forming a Strategy Group focused on finding practical ways forward for our town.

Key issues to be discussed include homelessness, public safety, town amenity, business impacts and community wellbeing. The aim is to workshop solutions, identify shared concerns, and build a clear, united voice that can be taken to the relevant levels of government.

This is about constructive action, respectful discussion and putting Nambour first. Everyone who cares about the future of Nambour is welcome to attend. You do not need to be part of any organisation. Just bring your ideas, your experience, and your willingness to work together. 

– from Helen Tagg of Nambour Now

“Council insists local laws do not apply to homeless camping which leaves a loophole wide open,” she said.

Policy gaps create ‘risk and uncertainty’

“They claim there is no concern with a lack of regulation around park camping, yet acknowledged closing other informal campsites due to serious issues like child safety, drug activity and prostitution. They can act when they want to.”

Mrs Tagg said a lack of clear policy remained a concern.

“Across every engagement, not a single clear policy has been referenced and enforcement is inconsistent between locations. That alone demands a formal review.”

She said the current situation was creating risk and uncertainty.

“Everyone deserves safety, clarity and responsibility from local government.”

Mrs Tagg said her focus for the year ahead was to close policy gaps and provide the community with clear information.

She said residents would be kept informed through her Facebook group ‘Nambour Now’ as formal responses were received.

“I will keep the community updated once the first formal request comes back,” she said. “2026 is not the year of silence. It is the year of answers.”