Mark Ely begs for more time to pack up his life and clear out.“Ten minutes mate, that’s all I’m asking.”A council ranger responds: “Mark, you’re obstructing me from doing my job.” A squad of police watch on in case Ely physically resists.The City of Moreton Bay worker gives him the 10 minutes. The 54-year-old became homeless when his rental was sold to a developer and converted into a McDonald’s. He was the first to make Eddie Hyland Park in Lawnton a home, three and a half years ago. Now he shifts a few more things into a small taped off area that has been set aside to store his belongings. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletterThe day before, Ely and seven other residents had been given one hour to move out of the park when council rangers arrived with an excavator to begin tearing down the tent encampment. While Ely’s home was among those to escape the wrecker on Wednesday, the council workers have now returned to finish the job.As Ely pleads for more time...
