Central Coast Council is set to remove extensive debris left at an abandoned camp site at Narara after Clean4Shore founder Graham “Jono” Johnston raised the alarm earlier this week.
Johnston said rough sleepers had been living in tents, a caravan and a boat on Narara Creek but had vacated the site some months ago leaving many of their belongings and rubbish behind.
He said he had first contacted Council three months ago regarding the situation but nothing had been done to date to remove the junk.
“It’s very, very confronting,” he said.
“You would think you were standing in a poor third world country.
“This homelessness site been left with masses of junk and it’s very disturbing.”
Johnston said some of the smaller items would inevitably find their way into Narara Creek if not removed soon.
“We are already finding things that can float, things that can blow into the water,” he said.
“Narara Creek is going to be the receiver of this stuff unless something is done quickly.”
Smaller items left on site include children’s toys, bicycle parts, items of clothing and miscellaneous rubbish.
“This job is too big for us,” Johnston said.
“It needs a front end loader and a big work crew
“You could think you’re standing right in the middle of Woy Woy landfill.”
The site, near Gosford Golf Club, is just metres from the city centre.
Johnston said early intervention with rough sleepers by support services could prevent similar problems in the future.
“Get in there early, find out what the situation is and solve it before it develops into this,” he said.
“The best way we can do it is by working with the respective agencies to support the people and try to help them get rid of their rubbish.”
Johnston said he had also met many people sleeping in boats while cleaning up waterways across the region.
A spokesperson said Council officers had visited the site last week to further investigate the issue of rough sleepers and illegally dumped waste.
“Council will work to provide relevant support services to any rough sleepers who may be based in this area,” the spokesperson said.
“Council will also undertake action to remove any illegally dumped waste.
“Council is also investigating the circumstances behind the illegally dumped waste and will pursue regulatory action where appropriate.”
Terry Collins