Beachside parking a luxury for some and a haven for the most vulnerable

Some residents are frustrated at campers seemingly crowding available parking at Horseshoe beach, but among the long-stayers, a small community of the city's most vulnerable residents say the space is a haven for those sleeping rough. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

Cameron has been sleeping rough in the parking lot at Horseshoe beach for the past 12 months. It is not an ideal situation and it wasn't his choice, but skyrocketing rent prices had forced him out of more stable accommodation. For the time being, the area is as safe as it can be and he has nowhere else to go.

The unmetered lot, which has been running at capacity at the height of the summer holiday season, has become a flashpoint for some residents frustrated at finding perceived interlopers and long-stay parkers taking up undue space when parking is at a premium.