By Violet Li
Cranbourne residents say a rough sleeper is turning people off from a playground in the town centre, as Casey Council says they have no authority to move the person.
Cranbourne Public Hall president Judy Davis said the homeless person had been residing in the Perry Park playground next to the hall since late last year.
Ms Davis said she had received a lot of complaints from parents who were worried that the man would scare their children.
“There’s a lot of personal belongings and rubbish collecting near the barbecue, and it stops people from coming,” she said.
“I feel sorry for (the man). But in the long run, we’ve still got the hall to look after.
“We’re trying to make Cranbourne look presentable.”
Ms Davis said she had reached out to Casey Council and Victoria Police, but it didn’t go anywhere.
According to Casey’s Local Law, a person must not, except with a permit, camp, erect, place or occupy a temporary structure or dwelling in or on any council land, public place or road.
However, Casey Council states that council officers do not have the authority to move individuals on, and only Victoria Police can do so.
Council may issue a direction or notice to comply for individuals to cease camping within a specific timeframe. Infringements may also be issued to individuals for non-compliance, however, there are complexities of issuing infringements to individuals of no fixed abode.
City of Casey connected communities manager Callum Pattie said the council is committed to supporting community members who are sleeping rough or who are at risk of homelessness.
“Council officers have visited the site next to Cranbourne Public Hall and can confirm that one person has now left,” he said.
“We are working with the remaining person to connect them with local homelessness and housing support organisations.
“Once the site has been vacated, Council will undertake a clean-up of the area.”
A spokesperson of Victoria Police said their priority is to link people who are sleeping rough to the services available to them.
“We work closely with local councils and support organisations to address these issues,” they said.
“If an offence is detected, police will deal with the matter at hand.
“Anyone who commits criminal or anti-social behaviour that puts the community at risk can expect a swift response from the police.”
