That’s not a good look
City council warned park evictions would hurt image, report reveals
COUNCILLORS were warned they were taking a huge risk legally and to the Gold Coast City Council’s public image by evicting elderly and financially poor residents from the Kirra Beach Tourist Park.
The warning and confidential financial offers to 120 residents, some of whom are as old as 94, are in a council report obtained by a Right To Information request.
Last February, councillors were urged to consider a longer negotiation and “reasonable” compensation.
“There is a possibility of adverse publicity from permanent residents, many of whom have invested significantly to establish a residence within KBTP,” the report said.
“Furthermore, many of the residents are elderly, some are financially disadvantaged and some are of failing health.”
Instead, councillors moved to proceed with the sale of sites and the council is facing a massive protest from rallying caravan owners who fear immediate eviction.
Councillors will see an updated report in the next few months after a stand-off that saw residents tell council CEO Dale Dickson that they want guarantees of at least another three years tenancy.
The February 2018 council officer report had warned that the city was restricted in its options in the short term because residents were protected by law.
Residents could be given two months to vacate but there was no guarantee council would get the orders from QCAT.
At a meeting, councillors agreed for officers to start negotiations to ensure all permanent residents were gone by June 30, 2028.
The report said KBTP occupancy was 53 per cent for powered sites, 64 per cent for dog-friendly sites and 58 per cent for ensuite villas, but the park was generally full during major events.
Given the council was planning to invest in the park to make it more attractive, the chance that more sites would be available for tourists would “drive improved financial performance”.
Residents say the report backs up their suspicion of being moved out so the council can make bigger profits.
Southern-based councillor Gail O’Neill voted against the move, but has only obtained support from veteran councillor Dawn Crichlow.
Four months after the officer’s report, acting CEO Joe McCabe sent a confidential email to councillors noting that Mayor Tom Tate would provide an update on the park talks at a full council meeting.
Those residents on the 48 sites living in manufactured homes would be offered three alternatives: Sell their home to the council at an agreed price “representing fair market value” within the next three years; agree to a future sale date; or relocate with the council providing $50,000 compensation.
Mr McCabe noted $443,000 had been transferred from council’s strategic budget reserves to allow for two manufactured homes to be bought.
A majority of councillors backed Mr Dickson starting the purchasing process. Cr Crichlow voted in the negative. Councillors O’Neill and Daphne McDonald abstained.
Committee leaders Ray Bischoff, Rod Pilling and Ron Winterbine also sought a commitment that residents who did not want to leave should not pay for their van sites to be demolished.
At their last meeting before Christmas, councillors ticked off on allocating $205,000 and backed an annual ballot process where five sites would be bought each year.