Launceston mayor defends decision to move on homeless people in cold blast
Homeless Tasmanians have been told to move from a city park during wild winter weather, sparking outrage from advocates who question where they can go.
Molly Appleton April 13, 2026 - 12:44PM
Police called to move on homeless members
camped at Brickfields Park. Picture:
Voices of Tasmania
Homeless Tasmanians who had set up camp at Brickfields Park in the state’s north were told to “move on” during the middle of wild, wintry conditions.
The incident is one Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood has defended as a “last resort” in a social media post that’s going viral.
He raised multiple issues that he says the council had to consider, including parks not being designed or safe for people to camp long term, risk of injury from ageing trees and broader safety of the community using the space.
Launceston mayor Matthew Garwood. Picture: Alison Foletta
“In this case also there are reports of illicit substance use and antisocial behaviour,” he said.
“Let me be really clear. Move on directions are not where things start, they are used as a last resort.”
It comes after non-profit, advocacy group Strike It Out Inc said members of Launceston’s homeless community were told to “move on” from the park in the middle of windy, wet conditions.
“These are real people, already doing it tough, now being pushed from one place to another with nowhere safe or dry to go,” the Facebook post said.
“It raises the question … where are they expected to go in weather like this?”
Brickfields Park is close to Launceston CBD and located on busy Bathurst and Frederick streets.
Police officers also attended the scene assisting with the “move on” request.
It’s understood Tasmania Police were there to assist the council.
On the council’s role for housing, Mr Garwood reiterated it doesn’t “control housing and we can’t open privately owned buildings or place people into homes”.
He said the council was supporting the increase of housing supply and supporting the right providers.
Launceston Council recently approved a 100+ lot Homes Tasmania development, backed 48 affordable apartments with City Mission and more city apartments with the Birchalls’ development.
“Affordable housing and social housing are different, but both are critical parts of the solution,” he said.
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