# Wagga Wagga homelessness crisis and Wilks Park evictions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wagga-wagga-homelessness-crisis-response > Updated: 2026-09-09T01:57:39.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 8. Following the council’s decision to issue regulatory notices to Wilks Park residents, the Wagga Wagga City Council began issuing $110 fines on 31 August to individuals who refused to engage with housing pathways. General Manager Peter Thompson stated these fines are a final step for those not cooperating with Homes NSW, noting that over 20 people have already been rehomed or found alternative accommodation. Advocates criticized the fines as distressing for those without financial means and argued that hotel accommodation is often unviable for people wishing to keep their possessions. By early September, the council began clearing makeshift campsites at Wilks Park to return the area to its intended use as a primitive campground. While the park appeared empty following these operations, housing advocates warned that the homelessness crisis remains unresolved. Advocates reported that rough sleepers were merely relocating to nearby bushland or other unsafe areas to avoid penalties. Tim Verhoef noted that some individuals were hiding in the bushes, while Vickie Burkinshaw stated that people were packing down camps at night to remain invisible during the day. By 9 September, despite clearing efforts and the issuance of fines, rough sleepers began returning to Wilks Park, with at least two tents reappearing over a weekend. Vickie Burkinshaw noted that because individuals cannot stay in hotels long-term, they inevitably return to the park. Additionally, the council has issued warnings regarding the presence of canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, at the site. On 12 August, a 56-year-old woman was denied emergency accommodation through the NSW Government’s Link2Home service. Housing advocate Leigh Swansborough documented the incident, reporting that a Link2Home employee stated they could not arrange accommodation for a third party and suggested the woman contact a hospital or ambulance instead. ## Claims - Wagga Wagga City Council is conducting a three-day compliance operation at Wilks Park to address breaches of site conditions. (corroborated by 3 sources) - At least three people were issued $110 fines on Monday, August 31, for failing to comply with council notices. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Housing advocates argue that people being fined lack the financial means to pay them. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The lack of permanent housing in Wagga causes people to return to the park after staying in hotels or motels. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Wilks Park is intended to be used as a primitive campground with stays limited to 72 hours. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Homes NSW is offering alternative accommodation to people experiencing homelessness. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The council has issued fines to people staying at the park who refuse to leave. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Signs have been posted at Wilks Park warning of canine parvovirus risks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Council has rehomed or found alternative accommodation for more than 20 people. (single source) - Fines were issued specifically to individuals who did not engage with Homes NSW or housing pathways. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Wilks Park: Homeless return despite council clearing efforts Homeless individuals have returned to Wilks Park in Wagga despite council efforts to clear the site. Advocates argue a lack of permanent housing makes temporary hotel stays unsustainable. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wilks-park-homeless-return-despite-council-clearing-efforts ### 2026-09-04: Wagga Wagga Council clears Wilks Park campsites Wagga Wagga Council is clearing homeless camps at Wilks Park, but advocates warn that displaced individuals are simply moving into nearby bushland to avoid fines. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-council-clears-wilks-park-campsites ### 2026-08-31: Wagga Wagga City Council fines homeless residents at Wilks Park Wagga Wagga City Council has issued $110 fines to homeless individuals at Wilks Park who refused to engage with housing services, sparking criticism from housing advocates. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-city-council-fines-homeless-residents-at-wilks-park ### 2026-08-14: Wagga Wagga homeless woman denied emergency accommodation A homeless woman in Wagga Wagga was denied emergency accommodation by the NSW Government's Link2Home service, sparking criticism over the availability of shelter and government housing claims. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-homeless-woman-denied-emergency-accommodation ### 2026-08-11: Wagga Wagga Council issues eviction deadline for Wilks Park homeless Wagga Wagga City Council has ordered homeless residents at Wilks Park to vacate by August 25, sparking criticism from advocates who call the enforcement move intimidating and cruel. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-council-issues-eviction-deadline-for-wilks-park-homeless ### 2026-07-27: Wagga Wagga Councillor Richard Foley seeks pause on homeless evictions Wagga Wagga councillor Richard Foley moved to pause homeless evictions from council land until Sept 30, citing winter cold and insufficient alternative housing after a recent tragic tent death. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-councillor-richard-foley-seeks-pause-on-homeless-evictions ### 2026-07-13: Wagga Wagga fast-tracks Tolland social housing to tackle homelessness Wagga Wagga's Tolland Estate Renewal is being fast‑tracked, with 24 social‑housing lots to be built by year‑end, aiming to ease the city's growing homelessness crisis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-fast-tracks-tolland-social-housing-to-tackle-homelessness ### 2026-07-07: Wagga Wagga homeless camp evictions and hotel refusal spark government probe Wagga Wagga authorities investigate a motel’s refusal of a homeless guest while the council clears a riverside tent camp and evicts Wilks Park residents, prompting housing‑advocate criticism. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wagga-wagga-homeless-camp-evictions-and-hotel-refusal-spark-government-probe --- Cite as: Wagga Wagga homelessness crisis and Wilks Park evictions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wagga-wagga-homelessness-crisis-response