People occupying a ‘tent city’ behind the dunes at Dee Why lagoon may be moved on after residents made a number of complaints to Northern Beaches Council.
But given some residing there have complex issues, and management of homeless persons requires an equally complex inter-agency response, Council has been taking a slowly, slowly approach.
Manly Observer understands the site has been established over the last two years, maybe longer, and appears to be expanding. We have been tracking the issue for some months to understand the matter in depth.
A Council spokesperson confirmed they had had been in contact with NSW Police and a number of temporary housing organisations in an attempt to provide alternative accommodation for the campers and remove them from the site.
So far there has been no overt action, and a number of locals are growing restless because of environmental destruction to the delicate lagoon area as well as a series of anti-social behaviours, including alleged theft and drug use, by those who live at or frequent the camp sites.
“Council is aware of individuals camping at Dee Why Lagoon and is in contact with NSW Police, Community Northern Beaches and Mission Australia who are providing outreach services to the people sleeping rough,” a Council spokesperson said.
“While protection of the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge is a priority, Council is working on a balanced solution that manages environmental impacts while being sensitive to the wellbeing of those living in the area.
“When dealing with people sleeping rough, Council operates in accordance with the Northern Beaches Homeless Persons Protocol. In implementing the Protocol, Council seeks to recognise the rights of homeless people as well as balancing the needs of public space and the environment.
“Council always treats these people with compassion and attempts to refer the individuals with a view to having them engage with appropriate supports.”
“Council always treats these people with compassion and attempts to refer the individuals with a view to having them engage with appropriate supports.”
Another concerned resident who contacted Manly Observer, claimed that some of the campers were involved in an array of illegal activity. He claims to have witnessed thefts and, using a drone, has observed a large number of bikes, electric scooters, tools, surfboards, electrical equipment and other goods, plus signs of regular drug activity.
Manly Observer has heard numerous similar reports from readers involving anti-social behaviours but this information is purely anecdotal and we are not aware of any charges relating to any person living in the dunes.
One resident claimed to have seen campers use various tactics to steal goods such as dressing as workmen and hanging around vehicles to avoid suspicion. The resident said he has observed them watching people go for a swim using binoculars before taking the goods, such as phones, they leave behind on the beach.
“Almost no one knows that they’re there unless they’ve had issues with them. There has been council and police going there but they can’t do anything and I think they prefer to have them contained there so they’re not causing issues anywhere else,” the beach regular, who asked not to be identified, said.
“Two ladies you see before sunrise rain or shine walk up and down Dee Why Beach collect every piece of rubbish. They do it out of love for the area. Apparently [people] came out of the camp and threatened the two ladies to go away for getting too close.
Manly Observer contacted NSW Police for comment on the claims of criminal behaviour at the site but were referred back to Northern Beaches Council.
Daniel Peterson, Manager of Homeless Outreach Service community Northern Beaches Inc., told Manly Observer they had reached out to the campers on numerous occasions to assist in finding them new accommodation, but that they could not be forced.
Others working within the welfare system say the issue should be seen in broader context – even if they were removed and given temporary housing, after that temporary arrangement is complete they are likely to be once more without a home, basic provisions and much hope.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the situation is incredibly complex and required police assistance and multiple agencies. It was a slow, careful process to get right he said.
He added: “We don’t live in an authoritarian society.”
Manly Observer will continue to monitor the issue.
