Fears of ‘shanty town’ at Plaza

RESIDENTS of the notorious and soon-to-be-vacated Plaza Palms housing complex have upped the ante since receiving eviction notices and indulged in a post-Anzac Day orgy of vandalism that left fence palings scattered and the road strewn with debris.

The overcrowded shortterm accommodation complex in Manunda has gained infamy as a centre of street crime, substance abuse and violence.

Neighbour Gordon Morris said such violence was a regular occurrence.

“It all happens at night,” Mr Morris said.

Earlier this month the residents were informed they would need to vacate by the end of May.

Owners made the decision to empty the complex when they could not gain insurance for the property.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the complex could become a “shanty town” for squatters if owners did not act quickly to cancel services and destroy toilets once the residents had been relocated.

“The area always has the close attention of police – that will continue to be the case until it closes,” Mr Healy said.

“As that date gets closer they will be monitoring the place closely.”

A Cairns Regional Council spokesman said talks were under way about the site’s future.

“Council will be holding discussions with QPS, Department of Housing and the Plaza Palms body corporate to ensure the responsible agencies take appropriate measures once the complex is closed,” the spokesman said,

“Squatting is a trespass offence and is an issue for the owners and QPS.”

It is understood that the consortium of 27 owners was in discussions with possible buyers of the property and would be facing a $600,000 demolition bill to raze the site.

“This body corporate is pretty much broke,” Mr Healy said.

Core Logic real estate data shows prices for the 60 square metre studio style units have dropped like a lead weight – in one case a former resort bungalow was listed at $45,000 in 2015.

Shockingly, that same unit was purchased in 2007 for $387,000.