By Trish Bowman
Open your heart and try to understand what people living in cars are feeling before you report them to Council is the sentiment of mobile homeless man Wayne Sully who has recently been slapped with a $286 fine for illegal camping for the second time.
Having lived on the Capricorn Coast for 25 years, Wayne has been trying to find a home for himself and his beloved Snoop for the past two years to no avail.
The former Bondoola man said it is simply an impossible situation, for a single room in a shared house the cost is $200-$250 a week and most people do not want a dog there.
“Single people simply do not get a look in when there are so many families also living in their cars,” Wayne said.
“The waiting lists for accommodation a huge and people like me are not the priority.
“I have come across so many people living in cars even smaller than mine with all their possessions stacked up.
“It’s difficult. It is not a lifestyle choice and I am not on holiday, this is the result of the rental crisis and I just wish there was more of a social conscience about people who are doing it tough.
“I have never been in this situation before and at 65 years old I didn’t expect to be in this situation now.
“The fines are just another slap in the face when you are already struggling to survive and don’t even have the most basic amenities.
“I have talked to a lot of other homeless people and most of them have the fines sent to SPER which adds another $60 on top which just makes it even worse.
“Most of these people are living week to week. We still have to pay registration on our cars and fuel to move around so we avoid the fines by parking out in the bush which is not ideal.
“We all worry about our safety and security and if anything goes wrong, I don’t know what would happen.
“Now the weather is getting colder I have been dropping into the Community Centre for a shower. In summer I just use the cold showers at the beach.
“I have been volunteering with Upcycle CQ so my time is being well used.”
Fellow mobile homeless man Neil Turner is in a similar situation.
He wakes at around 4am every morning to move his car to avoid being fined.
Currently suffering a nasty concussion and many scrapes and bruises after a fall from his bicycle, Neil said it is obvious people like himself are not on holiday.
“We are not driving around in $100,000 luxury caravans and RV’s, we are cramming all our worldly possessions into our cars and just managing the best we can,” he said.
“In every other regional town there are free camping options available but there are none in Livingstone Shire.
“With the social housing situation as it is, I think it is time our local Council had a look at this as another option for people like myself.
“This is not a situation that will be fixed quickly and better long-term solutions need to be addressed.
“I know a lot of people in Yeppoon and they have all been very nice.
“For the people who report homeless people who are camped in their cars, please stop and ask yourself if they would be doing it if they had any other choice.”
Livingstone Shire Council CEO, Cale Dendle said homelessness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and compassionate response from all levels of government.
“Livingstone Shire Council will approach any situation involving moving people from a public place, with sensitivity and care. Any decision to move on homeless people is generally only in response to complaint and always seeks to balance the individual need for dignified shelter with public safety and security,” Mr Cale said.
“Livingstone Shire Council has recently partnered with two housing charities with plans for new affordable housing in both Yeppoon and Emu Park.
“The ICare Community Project, run out of the Community Centre, is fully funded through the generosity of local residents and provides vouchers and essential items to people and families who are experiencing significant financial distress.
“At the Community Centre, The Dignity First washroom also provides a free and accessible use of a private washing machine, dryer, toilet, shower, and sanitary products for any community member experiencing hardship. It’s open every day from 9am to 4pm.
“If people are experiencing hardship and require assistance, the Community Centre can assist them in connecting to a wide range of other services and support options which can help.”
In Livingstone Shire, people are permitted to park anywhere within the Shire for up to or longer than 12 hours, where it is lawful to park.
For the regulated parking areas, they can park for any length of time if it is outside of the regulated parking times.
The regulated parking times are shown on nearby parking signs.
There are also other free parking locations that are not regulated, such as: The carpark at the bus interchange, intersection of Hill and Queen Sts. The multi-storey carpark; and Echelon undercover parking.
Under Subordinate Local Law No 4 LG Controlled Areas Facilities and Roads 2011, camping, sleeping, occupying or remaining overnight is a prohibited activity unless the local government-controlled area is a park or reserve.
The definition of camping includes sleeping, occupying, or remaining overnight at the place. It is unlawful to camp outside of designated camping areas or caravan parks unless it is private property.
In Rockhampton Kershaw Gardens has 48 hour free camping, however this is for self-contained vehicles only and it is clearly marked that camping is not allowed.
We would refer anyone seeking shelter to the Shelters in Rocky like the Vinnie’s Hostel or Jack’s House.
Right now in preparation for the Homeless Connect event on 18 May, Rockhampton Regional Council are accepting donations of non-perishable food which we have extended the drop off deadline until Tuesday 16 May at the School of Arts Building at 230 Bolsover Street, or to the Robert Schwarten Pavilion between 9am – 1pm on Wednesday 17 May.