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Storm destroys Brisbane tents, leaving rough sleepers without shelter
A sudden storm swept through south-east Queensland on Wednesday, destroying tents and belongings used by hundreds of rough sleepers in several Brisbane parks. The damage has left people without shelter and prompted local volunteers to organise help, while a separate dispute over a council-approved tent site has brought government pressure on its future.
Bethania Community Centre manager Ashleigh Hassell said winds of up to 100km/h left tents caved in and possessions soaked, scattered or torn apart. The centre had 12 groups to assist by Friday, and local residents donated water, food, money and equipment, including a 16-person tent. Hassell also criticised online comments mocking rough sleepers. In north Brisbane, Economic Development Queensland threatened legal action over Moreton Bay council’s designated Wyllie Park site unless it met demands including restrictions on who could use it and when registered occupants must leave.
In short
- A storm destroyed rough sleepers’ tents and belongings across Brisbane.
- Local people donated supplies and money to help those affected.
- A state body is challenging a council’s designated tent site.
Explained simply
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, where some people who have nowhere stable to live sleep in tents in public parks. Their tents and belongings can be their only protection from the weather, and losing them can leave people exposed and without basic necessities.
Local volunteers and community centres sometimes provide food, water and equipment to people sleeping rough. Decisions about where tents may be set up can also involve different levels of government: councils manage local parks, while Queensland’s Economic Development Queensland has powers over some land and development matters.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Charity boss slams heartless trolls after tent city for homeless is wiped out in freak storm”.