Thank you so much to everyone who has signed and supported this petition so far. Your support means the world to me and truly shows how much our community cares about finding compassionate and practical solutions to long-term camping and public space safety.

Because this issue affects all of us, I want to encourage everyone to keep sharing the petition with friends, family, neighbors, and on social media. The more voices we have, the stronger our message will be to the Sunshine Coast Council. Every signature counts in pushing for real change.

I also want to clarify the petition’s focus. Because Sunshine Coast Council limits petitions to just 250 words, I had kept the requests brief, which may have caused some confusion about who is responsible for what.

Since this is a complex, multi-faceted issue, I have now provided further clarification to ensure the Council understands this petition is directed specifically at them in entirety—not due to any lack of understanding on our part regarding Council responsibilities.

To be clear: This petition is directed specifically at Sunshine Coast Council, and every point relates to areas where Council has legal authority and operational responsibility.

Here’s how each request ties directly to Council’s role:

“Develop enforceable guidelines to deter long-term camping and ensure timely removal from public areas”

➡ (Council can create and enforce local laws under the Local Government Act, regulating camping and managing public land use.)

“Provide alternative locations with hygiene facilities and outreach services”

➡ (Council can designate suitable public spaces for temporary use and collaborate with community groups to provide hygiene and support services.)

“Increase patrols of homeless encampments and community spaces to improve safety”

➡ Council employs Local Laws Officers to patrol public areas, enforce regulations, and respond to complaints. 

“Install lighting, signage, and surveillance to discourage overnight stays”

➡ (Council is responsible for installing and maintaining public infrastructure, including lighting, signage, and CCTV, which can be used to improve safety, deter unauthorised overnight camping, and support compliance with local laws.)

“Collaborate with the Queensland Government to manage inflows and expand housing options”

➡ (While housing is a state responsibility, Council plays an important advocacy and coordination role.)

“Clean up and restore damaged natural spaces regularly”

➡ (Council is responsible for maintaining parks and public spaces.)

“Communicate clearly with residents on actions and progress”

➡ (Council should provide transparent updates and community engagement.)

We’re not asking Council to solve homelessness alone or to shift responsibility elsewhere — but to take clear action within its own powers to ensure safe, fair, and shared use of our public spaces.

Together, we can make a difference and we already are. Thank you again for standing with me on this important issue.

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Helen Tagg