Wagga Wagga Council clears Wilks Park campsites

Wagga Wagga Council has begun clearing makeshift campsites at Wilks Park and issuing $110 fines to residents to return the area to its intended use as a primitive campground. While the park now appears empty, housing advocates warn that the local homelessness crisis has not been resolved.

Advocates report that many rough sleepers have simply moved into nearby bushland or other unsafe locations to avoid penalties. Tim Verhoef noted that some individuals are hiding in the bushes, while Vickie Burkinshaw stated that people are packing down camps at night to remain invisible during the day. Critics argue these actions are merely hiding the problem rather than addressing the underlying need for housing.