Denice Barnes, Coast Community News

Central Coast Councillor Doug Eaton has called on the State Government to help with the growing problem of people camping illegally at public parks and reserves.

His call comes as Toukley and Norah Head residents continue to raise concerns over people camped illegally at Wallarah Point Peace Park at Gorokan – some of the same campers who had previously been moved on from Jenny Dixon Reserve at Norah Head.

Cr Eaton said he inspected the Wallarah Point park recently and confirmed the encampment was “clearly growing”.

He said he would meet with other Budgewoi ward councillors and residents, but the problem needed State Government “buy-in” particularly from Police, the Department of Housing and the local member.

He said Council staff had told him the Department of Housing had not engaged with the campers when they were at Jenny Dixon Reserve.

“So, when they were moved on there was nowhere for them to go,” Cr Eaton said.

“Public housing is a state responsibility.

“Having said that, in my view some would not have taken up any offer and are homeless by choice – not all but some.”

He said he would continue to follow up Council staff to address the issue.

“In my view, Council can do more and has powers that they are not currently using and I’m focussing on that issue at the moment,” he said.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said it was a “hard area” and every individual had a unique issue.

“There is a visible crisis in homelessness currently, which is being exacerbated by high rents, closure of cheaper rental parks, mental health, domestic violence and substance abuse,” Mr Harris said.

“Police and Council are combining to move on people from public places but this often just relocates the problem to another location.

“The NSW Government, Central Coast Council and NGOs are actively working to address short-term issues whilst trying to provide longterm solutions.

“There is a lot of effort going into this.

“This is an Australia-wide problem.” Mr Harris said barriers included some people not accepting alternative accommodation, the difficulty in getting development applications approved especially for crisis accommodation and the lack of options for people living in recreational vehicles and caravans.

“Some people are not ready and don’t accept assistance for a range of complex reasons,” he said.

One Norah Head resident said she had written again to the Council to express her “deep disappointment” regarding the ongoing issue of illegal campers.

She said a visit to the Vietnam Memorial at Peace Park on Anzac Day was overshadowed by the illegal camping issue.

“I took visiting family members to the Vietnam Memorial, as my father was a Vietnam Veteran,” she said.

“What should have been a respectful and meaningful visit was overshadowed by the current situation.”

She said while she had genuine compassion for those experiencing homelessness, Council’s current approach was failing everyone involved.

“This is not an appropriate or safe location for people to be camping, nor is it fair on the wider community,” she said.

“With Winter fast approaching, I am extremely concerned for the welfare and safety of those living in these conditions.

“Leaving people to endure cold, wet weather in tents, without proper shelter, sanitation, or safe cooking facilities, is not just inadequate — it is dangerous.

“If Council continues to allow this situation to persist, it is effectively accepting the very real risk of illness, harm, or worse.

“This is not a compassionate response; it is neglect under the guise of inaction.”

She said she saw multiple tents set up along the park’s fenceline, two caravans and two white vans, some with items like a bird aviary which indicated they were not temporary arrangements.

“Wallarah Point Peace Park is a beautiful lakeside space, with a well-used playground for children and a location frequently enjoyed by visitors and tourists,” she said.

“In its current state, it presents poorly, detracts from the amenity of the park, and raises serious concerns about safety and public use.

“Other councils have implemented more suitable, designated short-term accommodation areas, such as showgrounds or managed sites with basic amenities including toilets, showers, and power.

“These options provide a safer, more humane, and more appropriate solution for those experiencing homelessness.

“This matter must be placed on the agenda for the next Council meeting so that a proper, long-term solution can be discussed and implemented.”

Homes NSW says it is working with Central Coast Council and local services to respond to reports of people camping at Wallarah Point Peace Park.

The agency says its priority is to engage respectfully with people who may be experiencing homelessness and connect them with available support and housing assistance.

Homes NSW plans to carry out Assertive Outreach in the area alongside council and partner organisations, in line with the NSW Government’s Homelessness Protocol, which guides how agencies support people in public spaces.

“Being homeless is not a crime,” a spokesperson said, adding the focus is on helping people who are willing to engage and identifying pathways into accommodation.

The agency says it was not previously aware of people needing housing assistance at Wallarah Point before being contacted by Council on April 29.

A coordination meeting between Homes NSW and Central Coast Council is scheduled for this week, with outreach activities yet to begin.

Homes NSW says the response will follow a model used previously at Picnic Point, where agencies worked together to provide support.

Specialist services, including Health on the Streets and Uniting Doorways, are already conducting outreach in the area and plan further visits in the coming week.

This article appeared on Coast Community News on 7 May 2026.