Homeless Man Tasered During Queensland Festival Eviction

On September 1, 2026, six homeless residents were issued a 24-hour notice by Moreton Bay city council rangers to vacate Pelican Park, located north of Brisbane, Queensland. The eviction order was issued to clear the park for an upcoming kite festival scheduled for that weekend. Among the residents was a man identified as Martin, who had been residing in a camper trailer at the park. During the process of the clearance, Martin reportedly attempted to take his own life, leading to a confrontation with police. As a result of this confrontation, police deployed a Taser on Martin, who was subsequently hospitalised. This incident has drawn significant criticism from homelessness advocates, who are now calling for a halt to such evictions and for greater consideration of mental health issues when enforcing move-on orders, particularly in the context of Queensland's ongoing homelessness crisis. The advocates argue that forcing individuals experiencing homelessness to relocate, especially for events like festivals, exacerbates their vulnerability and can lead to tragic outcomes. They are urging local authorities and government bodies to implement more compassionate and supportive strategies for addressing homelessness, which include providing adequate mental health support and alternative accommodation rather than displacement. The incident at Pelican Park highlights the complex challenges faced by both local councils attempting to manage public spaces and individuals struggling with housing insecurity and mental health concerns. The specific kite festival for which the park was cleared is promoted by Visit Moreton Bay, an organisation responsible for tourism and events in the region. The timing of the eviction, requiring residents to leave with only 24 hours' notice, has been a particular point of contention, with critics arguing it demonstrates a lack of empathy and planning for the affected individuals. The hospitalisation of Martin following the Taser deployment underscores the potential for escalation and harm during these enforcement actions. Homelessness advocacy groups are using this event to push for policy changes that prioritise human dignity and well-being over the temporary use of public spaces for recreational events. They are advocating for a review of current practices regarding move-on orders and the development of more robust support systems for the homeless population in Queensland.