Gayundah Arboretum Park at Woody Point closed for remediation
Published 17 February 2025
City of Moreton Bay today closed the Gayundah Arboretum Park area at Woody Point for remediation works.
The closure and remediation works are required due to serious public health and safety concerns.
A recent review uncovered human waste, used toilet paper, used syringes and associated waste, drug paraphernalia, significant general and food waste, and active vermin and mosquito breeding.
Council must respond to these findings under the Public Health Act 2005.
Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway said it was not safe for people to be residing in the conditions at Gayundah Arboretum Park, nor for the community to continue to use the public space.
“All people camping at the site have been offered accommodation by the State Government’s Department of Housing.
“I’d like to thank the Department of Housing’s officers for their support during the past week. Council officers, together with the Department and Queensland Police Service, have worked tirelessly to find solutions for the people affected by the remediation works.
“I am pleased to hear that many of the campers at this public site have taken up the State’s offer of housing however we are also aware that a number have chosen not to.
“As Gayundah Arboretum Park is closed to all public from today, I would urge people to accept these offers of accommodation.
“Council does not have move on powers, but with the area now an active work site, people must leave. The Queensland Police Service is supporting Council to ensure the remediation works can begin safely.
“We are very aware of how complex an issue homelessness is, often exacerbated by considerations such as family violence, mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and employment difficulties.
“However, moving to another public site, does not address the root cause of the issue - which is the need for a stable roof over their head and proper support services.
“It should not take a public health and safety issue to see vulnerable people being supported, and I urge the State to deliver more crisis accommodation and social housing in City of Moreton Bay.
“It is the Queensland Government's responsibility to provide safe and appropriate housing as well as homelessness support services, for vulnerable members of our community.
“Not only is there a severe lack of sufficient crisis accommodation and long term social housing in City of Moreton Bay, but there is also inadequate coordinated support for people to better manage their personal health and economic situations.
“City of Moreton Bay has thousands of people on the social housing list. Yet again, there is a lack of focus on our City; and our rapid growth means the spotlight must be turned our way.
“This needs to be a collaborative approach and alongside Council’s calls for support, I know our local MPs will keep advocating the State Government for an urgent and effective plan that provides real solutions to the social housing, crisis accommodation and support service issues in City of Moreton Bay.
“Homelessness is a global concern however locally, Council has taken the lead on this for too long, and the State needs to step up and take their responsibilities seriously.
“City of Moreton Bay is already past the tipping point, so there needs to be action before this becomes a crisis that the State is unable to manage.”
Gayundah Arboretum Park at Woody Point is State land, managed by City of Moreton Bay. It will be fenced off on Monday 17 February.
This is due to an escalated public health risk to the community, and the requirement for Council staff and contractors to safely access the site for remediation works.
The community will still be able to access the pathway along the foreshore.
Remediation works will include removal of some ground surface area and associated waste items; ground maintenance and sanitation; and restoration of remnant vegetation.
Remediation is expected to take approximately six (6) months and will cost Council more than $110,000.