Just one month ago, close to 100 homeless people called a sports complex at Eagleby home.
But by 22 October, a solitary car remained in an otherwise bare carpark, as if nobody was ever there.
The homeless have been relocated – some due to a local council request and others by police in response to a deadline set by the council on October 19 – leaving their current whereabouts uncertain.
For the first time in possibly two years, the Olivers Sports Complex car park is completely empty, with not a single can, plastic wrapper, or piece of litter left behind on the bitumen.
Some of the rough sleepers will go to other parks while others will go “touring”, a term they use for roaming place to place – carpark to carpark, green space to available green space.
Tania Davies, who stayed at the carpark with her husband in their van for more than two years, said the situation was inevitable.
“It had to happen, we had to be moved on,” she said.
“We made an arrangement with council, and it worked really well, but when people took more than what they needed, it really affected everyone else.”
Ms Davies said those staying at the complex initially agreed to keep their setups temporary, meaning there wouldn’t be any tents, awnings or storage established in the carpark.
“When they asked us to move for a sports day, we did and we could because we weren’t permanent,” she said.
“Then the tents started coming in, and they were permanent and intimidating to families.”
She said their new neighbours were asked to remove the tents but refused.
Some were reportedly taking up multiple spots.
Ms Davies now sleeps in her van in a nearby carpark at night but returns to the complex carpark in the morning.
The gates at the carpark are locked every night at 8pm.
“We’re legally allowed to park here during the day, so we’re not in front of ratepayers’ houses,” Ms Davies said.
Local support service YFS and Logan City council visited the rough sleepers every week, Ms Davies said, offering the group support and access to emergency accommodation and social housing.
Residents were given four weeks to move out of the carpark.
Mayor Jon Raven said council would “continue to offer support and show compassion with the support of services” to people staying at Logan’s other homeless setups, including at Hugh Muntz Park and Tully Memorial Park.
“At Logan, the safety of our entire community is our first priority,” Cr Raven said.
“While those experiencing homelessness have often been allowed to temporarily stay at the complex, this can no longer continue due to serious safety concerns.
“These concerns include the showers being used as toilets and anti-social and unhygienic behaviour by those staying in the area.”
He said homelessness was a challenging issue.
“Where there are concerns relating to public safety, all actions are carefully considered before they’re taken,” he said.
“Everyone staying at Olivers Sports Complex was offered crisis accommodation and support by YFS and the Queensland Department of Housing.
“This support was provided on-site over the past four weeks, and after-hours support was also made available.”
Many residents refused the repeated offers for housing, they say because of concerns about long-term viability.
One person, Chris, finally accepted an offer for a two-bedroom, social unit at Loganlea.
“They basically said, you take it, or we take you off the [social housing] list,” he said.
Chris said it was difficult to transition into his new lifestyle.
“They worked to get us into a house, but then did nothing,” he said.
“You’ve got to get fridges, TVs, a couch, a bed – but once they put you in a place, they don’t even contact you.”
Chris said he managed to secure essential items thanks to the help of a local charity.
