Dawn defends park dog patrols
HOMELESS people are being chased out of the Broadwater Parklands by security guards with dogs at night.
It comes as a Southport resident claims he was accosted three times by guards with powerful torches and dogs in the popular park after hours.
Road worker Garry Sadler criticised what he said were heavy-handed tactics used by guards employed by the Gold Coast City Council.
Homeless support confirmed people groups sleeping rough in the Parklands and their cars were regularly moved on from the area.
There are an estimated 1500 homeless people on the Gold Coast with many frequenting Southport where support services are based.
Veteran Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow said the security guards were vital following a stabbing in the Parklands last year.
Mr Sadler said he was shocked by the way he was treated while walking his mother’s dog in the park just after midnight following the end of his shift.
He labelled security guards who chased him “Nazis” and “storm troopers”.
“It horrified me. I didn’t sign up for these people to harass homeless people,” said Mr Sadler, an ex-serviceman.
“This isn’t Brazil. You can’t come out of nowhere with golf carts and dogs shining lights in my eyes.
“I really don’t like the fact that we are paying these people to do this. I am seriously concerned about the way these people are treating the homeless.”
Cr Crichlow stood by the need for security guards in the Broadwater Parklands. In December last year a 23-year-old man was stabbed in the back and chest by a man who demanded his wallet.
“There would have been a German shepherd there, we’ve got to be very conscious of who is walking there at night,” Cr Crichlow said.
The councillor suggested Mr Sadler walk his mother’s dog somewhere else.
“I would have to side with the security on this one.”
A council spokeswoman said security guards had reported only one recent run-in with a member of the public.