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Wilks Park: Homeless return despite council clearing efforts
Rough sleepers have returned to Wilks Park in Wagga, despite efforts by the Wagga Council and Homes NSW to clear the site and transition individuals into alternative accommodation. While the park was nearly empty last week following clearing operations and the issuance of fines, two tents reappeared over the weekend.
Advocates have criticized the current strategy, noting that a lack of permanent housing leads many to rely on hotels and motels. Housing advocate Vickie Burkinshaw stated that because people cannot stay in hotels long-term, they inevitably return to the park. Some individuals have reportedly begun camping in surrounding shrubland and heavy bushland to avoid detection by authorities.
In addition to the housing issues, the council has posted warnings regarding the presence of canine parvovirus at the park, a highly contagious disease that can be fatal to dogs.
Entities
Homes NSW · Tim Verhoef · Vickie Burkinshaw · Wagga Council · Wilks Park
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Signs have been posted at Wilks Park warning of canine parvovirus risks. regionriverina.com.au · aboutregional.com.au · psnews.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Wilks Park is intended to be used as a primitive campground with stays limited to 72 hours. regionriverina.com.au · aboutregional.com.au · psnews.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The council has issued fines to people staying at the park who refuse to leave. regionriverina.com.au · aboutregional.com.au · psnews.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Homes NSW is offering alternative accommodation to people experiencing homelessness. regionriverina.com.au · aboutregional.com.au · psnews.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The lack of permanent housing in Wagga causes people to return to the park after staying in hotels or motels. regionriverina.com.au · aboutregional.com.au · psnews.com.au