No call of tresspass

GOLD Coast police are keeping tabs on a homeless man who has been sleeping rough in the midst of the Surfers Paradise party strip for months.

Frustrated Surfers Paradise traders called for urgent help in yesterday’s Bulletin to have the man offered support services and relocated.

It is difficult for authorities to get involved because the man has set up his sleeping bag and stacked boxes of possessions on private property in front of vacant Alive nightclub.

In a statement, the Queensland Police Service said to date it had received no complaint about any trespass offence allegedly committed by the man but added: “Surfers Paradise officers continue to engage with this individual and connect him with the relevant referral services in an effort to find suitable accommodation.”

The Department of Housing said yesterday its staff had met with the man since the Bulletin highlighted his living arrangements but it was unclear if he had taken up the offer of help.

“The staff offered him assistance to access support services if he wished. All people in the community, including those experiencing homelessness, have a right to be in public places,” a department statement said.

The site, next to Surfers Paradise Police Station, is understood to be in the hands of Chinese investors.