The purpose of this submission is to request that Rockhampton Regional Council consider the establishment of a single, designated, and well-managed area for people experiencing homelessness, incorporating essential amenities and coordinated support services. The proposal aims to improve safety, dignity, public amenity, and service efficiency while reducing long-term impacts on council and emergency services.

2. Background / Current Situation

Homelessness within Rockhampton is currently dispersed across public parks, streets, riverbanks, and commercial areas. This unmanaged approach has resulted in:

Increased health and safety risks for vulnerable individuals

Repeated demand on police, ambulance, and hospital services

Ongoing impacts on public spaces, businesses, and residents

Inefficient delivery of outreach and support services

Current responses largely involve displacement rather than resolution, resulting in the issue reappearing in different locations without long-term improvement.

We, the undersigned, support the proposal for Rockhampton Regional Council to investigate and consider the establishment of a single, designated, and well-managed area for people experiencing homelessness, incorporating essential amenities and coordinated support services, as outlined in the accompanying written submission.