Crackdown on dangerous behaviour in Pialba public spaces

Rough sleepers engaging in dangerous and anti-social activities have been ordered to move on from public spaces in Pialba in a collaborative effort by Fraser Coast Regional Council and Queensland Police to make the area safer for the community.

CEO Ken Diehm said the action followed an alarming increase in violent incidents, criminal activity and property damage in areas in Pialba such as The Pines Park, Apex Park, alongside Tooan Tooan Creek, and the site known as ‘The Kitchen’ near the All Abilities Playground car park.

“This is not about homelessness - it’s about community safety,” he said.

“We are dealing with a small group engaging in anti-social and violent behaviour that threatens public safety, damages property and the environment, and puts our staff and community at risk.

“Council staff have been assaulted twice in this area while carrying out their duties, including one incident in the past week. We take these attacks seriously and will use the full force of the law to prosecute those responsible.

“Our staff have the full backing of Council, and we will ensure they can work safely to serve the community. Enough is enough.”

Mr Diehm said Council remains committed to supporting those experiencing homelessness by working closely with Queensland Government and non-government organisations to connect individuals with housing, mental health services, and addiction support.

“Council generally takes a compassionate approach to homelessness, provided sites are kept clean and those involved don’t cause concern for other members of the public,” he said.

“However, when public spaces are misused for unsafe gatherings and anti-social behaviour such as destroying property and abusing others, we must act to protect the broader community.”

Council workers today began cleaning up the affected sites, removing shelters, and installing barriers to prevent vehicles from accessing the vacant area near Tooan Tooan Creek.

“Homelessness is a challenging and complex issue, but what we were dealing with today was an anti-social and criminal element that posed a threat to public safety,” Mr Diehm said.

The Queensland Government’s Homeless Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 474 753.