Cessnock Council Rangers have attended Harold Sternbeck Lions Park and advised occupants of the homeless camp that they must vacate the site by midday on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Council has confirmed that maintenance works, approved by Telstra, will commence on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. For safety reasons, the park will be fully fenced off indefinitely, and public access will not be permitted during this period.
If occupants remain on-site after Monday, Council will notify police and request assistance to have them removed, as they would be obstructing the scheduled works.
As part of the site maintenance, new signage will be installed stating that the land is private property and that trespassing is prohibited. Council is also exploring the installation of additional lighting to improve safety and visibility in the area.
The fencing is expected to stay in place for at least three months while Council and Telstra work to determine future legal care and control of the site.
Telstra has advised that it is currently seeking legal advice regarding the process of moving occupants from its private land and will update Council once that advice is available.
Council says it will continue to work with government agencies to find long-term solutions to support homeless residents within the Cessnock local government area.