The New South Wales government has dismantled a second homeless camp in inner-city Sydney, this time at Belmore Park near Central station. The operation, conducted over the past week by the state's family and community services department (Facs) with police presence, offered 58 residents temporary or permanent housing. Thirty-two accepted temporary accommodation, which Facs said would convert to permanent offers for those eligible. A spokesman confirmed there are no longer any rough sleepers in tents at Belmore Park.
Unlike the high-profile clearance at Martin Place earlier this month, this operation attracted less public attention. The controversial move-on powers introduced after Martin Place were not used. However, Facs noted that a significant police presence during the outreach was standard practice.
Homelessness services have welcomed the housing offers but raised concerns about the lack of long-term support. Homelessness NSW chief executive Katherine McKernan emphasised the need for wraparound psychosocial and case management services alongside housing. Without such support, she warned, people risk returning to the streets, perpetuating the homelessness cycle. Jack de Groot, chief executive of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, echoed these fears, describing some options as temporary and unsustainable.
McKernan stated that around 100 people from Martin Place and Belmore Park have been housed, with a similar number in hotels or motels. However, only 25 of those housed received furniture. She called for a coordinated Housing First approach, properly funded support services, and a broader strategy to address housing affordability. The City of Sydney’s last street count recorded 1,020 homeless individuals in the council area, and McKernan warned that without action, this figure could rise.
