As someone who understands that any life could be disrupted by a single unfortunate event, I am deeply alarmed by Moreton City Council's current approach to homelessness. Homelessness is not a choice; it's often the culmination of a series of unfortunate life events that could affect anyone. It is not an adventure or a lifestyle, and it's time our city recognized this harsh reality.

Moreton Bay City's attempt to criminalize homelessness paints a distressingly callous picture. It feels like a misguided strategy to shield the 'unpretty' from public view instead of addressing the root causes of the issue.

Research indicates that the primary causes of homelessness include inequity, lack of affordable housing, and high cost of living – all issues evident in our city. A study by the Australian Council of Social Service reveals that more than three million Australians, or 13.2% of the population, live below the poverty line. These individuals fail to secure affordable housing due to poverty, not choice.

Instead of pushing punitive measures, we call upon the Moreton Bay City Council to adopt a compassionate, solutions-based approach. The City needs to recognize the socioeconomic roots of homelessness and work towards providing affordable accommodation options and implementing policies aimed at reducing the cost of living.

The time for change is now. Support our plea for empathetic, viable solutions - not punishment for the victims of a unjust system. Sign this petition and demand Moreton Bay City to abandon criminalizing homelessness.