Keeping Brisbane’s parks safe

Council is committed to ensuring our parks and playgrounds are safe spaces for everyone.

In response to growing concerns about anti-social behaviour, drug use and community safety risks linked to tent encampments, Council is working closely with the Queensland Government, including the Department of Housing and Public Works, Queensland Police and Queensland Health, to deliver a coordinated and supportive response for vulnerable members of our community.

We understand homelessness is a serious and complex issue and we are committed to connecting vulnerable people with housing solutions and support, while also ensuring our parks and playgrounds remain safe.

Camping in parks

Camping in Council parks and public spaces is not permitted under the Public Land and Council Assets Local Law 2014. This law allows Council to remove and store items, including tents and other structures, that have been unlawfully placed on Council land. Local laws prohibiting camping in parks have been in place in Brisbane for nearly 100 years.

Our focus is continuing our long-standing practice of connecting people in need with services and giving them every opportunity to access assistance provided by State Government agencies.

Council always takes a compassionate approach to homelessness and there is no blanket move-on order. However, if an individual does not engage or refuses assistance, Police can move them on.

Unused tents will be removed to prevent the creation of more dangerous encampments in parks and playgrounds.

Council’s CCTV program

Brisbane has the best lifestyle in Australia and we’re determined to keep it that way.

While crime is a State Government issue, we’re doing what we can to make our parks and playgrounds safer. This includes operating a network of more than 3750 safety cameras across Brisbane.

These cameras play a critical role in deterring anti-social and unlawful activity, supporting police investigations, protecting Council assets like parks and playgrounds and ensuring public safety.

CCTV locations are determined in consultation with Queensland Police Service (QPS) and our community safety partners. The cameras are connected to Council’s Safety Camera Network and are monitored by our 24/7 Security Operations Centre. Council works closely with Police to monitor and respond to any incidents identified.

How residents can help

There are several ways Brisbane residents can support efforts to keep our parks safe:

• If you see someone in need, contact the Queensland Government’s Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. This 24/7 service can connect individuals with housing and support.
• Support Council’s Homeless Connect event by donating essential items like toiletries, non-perishable food, and clothing. Donations can be made between 28 April and 6 June.
• Always contact 000 in an emergency.