June 12, 2026
South Burnett Regional Council has prepared a large block of industrial-zoned land at the end of Cornish Street in Kingaroy to act as a “temporary overflow” area for homeless campers.
The area, behind the South Burnett CTC headquarters, has been mowed and water has been extended into the area.
Homeless campers have been using the free-stays areas in Murgon, Wondai, Wooroolin and Nanango for several years, however Kingaroy does not have a free-stay area which has led to homeless people camping in public parks in the CBD, including the Duck Pond area and Lions Park in Kingaroy Street; as well as the Glendon Street car park.
This has caused issues for families and children using these spaces for recreation.
When Council officers asked the campers to move on, the people said they had been advised by welfare groups that it would be all right to stay there.
Commercial caravan parks across the region will not take them in.
“Council has been left to deal with this social mess,” a Council spokesperson said.
“However, Council has a human rights responsibility.
“This is not a long-term answer. It is just a temporary overflow to help people camping in urban areas until they can find a better solution.”
