Petitioner’s pilot plan aims to turn crisis into new model

by Cameron Outridge

The push for decisive action on Nambour’s homelessness and public safety crisis has entered a new phase, with a detailed “community safety pilot proposal” along with the petition due to go before local and state leaders today (August 12).

The plan, authored by petition organiser and Nambour resident Helen Tagg outlines coordinated measures to reduce unmanaged camping, improve public safety and restore environmental health – while ensuring structured support for people experiencing genuine hardship. It follows a petition that has now attracted about 1500 signatures, signalling strong public appetite for change.

The 19-page plan has been handed to Nicklin MP Marty Hunt and Division 10 Councillor David Law for further consultation with state leaders and stakeholders. The document calls for enforceable camping restrictions near sensitive areas, managed accommodation sites with hygiene facilities, increased patrols, environmental rehabilitation and stronger coordination between council, state agencies and service providers.

“This is about finding a balanced approach that combines compassion with clear boundaries,” Mrs Tagg said. “The aim is to protect children, care for the environment, support those in need, and ensure our public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”

With a background in youth work and Indigenous services, Mrs Tagg said her motivation came from witnessing both the failure of top-down policies and the harm caused when boundaries were absent. Her approach to Nambour’s crisis emphasises strategy and mediation over confrontation, encouraging decision-makers and community members to work together.

“True leadership is getting people to work towards a shared goal,” she said. “That means setting aside our personal agendas and differences so we can focus on the greater good.”

She said her plan was developed in response to a lack of actionable steps in the Council’s existing “Homeless Action Plan”, which Mrs Tagg considers largely conceptual in the current context – a gap she aimed to address with a practical, community-focused plan.

The plan also seeks to address the issue holistically – one that affects the whole community – linking safety concerns with environmental protection, child welfare and the rights of residents to access shared spaces without fear or intimidation. “When people feel they can contribute to something positive, they’re far more likely to step forward and be part of the solution,” she said.

The August 13 Sunshine Coast Council Draft Planning Scheme meeting at Nambour State College  provided another opportunity for residents to support elements of the plan, such as new zoning regulations around sensitive areas. Mrs Tagg said the coming month would be critical for defining the roles of council, the state government and service providers in delivering a strategy.

Her ultimate goal is for Nambour’s pilot project to serve as a model for other regional towns facing similar challenges. “If we can get this right, it’s not just about fixing our problem – it’s about showing other communities there’s a way forward,” she said.

While the plan originated from a grassroots petition, its success will depend on multiple agencies working in step. Mrs Tagg has stressed the importance of collaboration, saying the process will fail if it becomes mired in politics.

“Everyone wants the same outcome: a safer, fairer Nambour,” she said. “By working together, that’s exactly what we can achieve.”

Helen Tagg presents Cr David Law with her petition which Cr Law will present at the next Council meeting.