Soundshell Clean-Up Puts Homelessness In Focus

A clean-up at the Bowen Soundshell has brought the town’s homelessness challenges into focus, with Council moving to restore community access to the facility.

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The action followed concerns raised over recent weeks about people sleeping at the Soundshell and reports of antisocial behaviour. Council worked with Queensland Police and local support services, giving those staying at the facility notice to move on before the clean-up.

“Council has since taken action under its Local Laws to address the unauthorised occupation of the facility,” said Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Ry Collins.  

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“The Soundshell is an important community facility and Council has a responsibility to ensure it remains safe, accessible and available for the community.  

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“Council will continue to monitor the area and respond as required.”

The Bowen soundshell was established in 2009, as an entertainment venue by the Bowen Jetty but over the past few years has become a gathering spot for unhoused community members. Before work was undertaken at the site, council and local police warned those occupying the site to move on.  

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“Council worked with Queensland Police and local support services to manage the situation respectfully, with those occupying the Soundshell given notice to move on before the clean-up,” said Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Ry Collins.  

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“Council continues to support connections to temporary accommodation and longer-term assistance, while ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible.”

The Soundshell is one of a few areas on Council’s radar, with the Catalina memorial also being a site of concern and further action.  

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The work has drawn praise from certain locals grateful to regain access to the site, while others have called for “more mental health resources” and somewhere for people experiencing homelessness to stay.

Homelessness in the region is said to have spiked in the past couple of years, with rising rentals and housing shortages being the leading cause, according to the Whitsunday House Company.  

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“We need a caravan park to house these unfortunate people,” commented Rebecca Shyhun.

“Make it a community that gets the right help and support.”  

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Addressing the need for longer-term solutions, Mayor Collins said Council would continue working with housing and support services to help those experiencing homelessness.

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“Homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be addressed through enforcement alone. Council will continue working with the Queensland Government, Queensland Police and homelessness and housing support service providers to support an appropriate response,” Mayor Collins said.  

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“While housing and specialist homelessness services are primarily the responsibility of the Queensland Government and relevant service providers, Council will continue to work collaboratively with these agencies where local issues arise, including supporting connections to temporary accommodation and longer-term assistance.”

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