Clarence Valley Council as the land manager of the site, is committed to working closely with lead government agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs) to find a resolution that is both effective and sensitive to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in the area.
Since homelessness falls under the jurisdiction of the NSW Government, Council is required to follow the Protocol for Homeless People in Public Places when engaging with people who are experiencing homelessness.
Our Rangers conduct regular patrols and collaborate with relevant welfare agencies to connect individuals with housing and other support services. They also patrol the area, tagging any unoccupied property for removal by our Open Spaces team.
In terms of maintenance, the combination of factors has made it challenging to keep the area in good condition. Recent rainfall has made the park too wet for equipment to be used for mowing, and unfortunately, the same weather conditions have prevented the garbage truck from accessing the area for rubbish collection. Council is unable to remove private property unless it has been tagged by our Rangers as abandoned.
Council staff will liaise with relevant agencies and NGOs to ensure the occupants are aware that the Park has significant importance to families and friends of truck drivers who have died, and the memorial is visited periodically, and the campers need to conduct their activities and maintain their camps in a tidy manner.
Council extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families of the truck drivers remembered at the site. If anyone feels unsafe while visiting the area, we encourage you to contact the police immediately for your safety.
