Knife-wielding man terrifies island resort residents

A RESIDENT of an embattled island resort is calling for better security after a knife-wielding man went on a destructive rampage.

Bernie Woods said a halfnaked man was “running around with a machete” and damaging property in the Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island.

A police spokeswoman said a 30-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night. He allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old woman, causing bruising and grazes.

Residents had to restrain and disarm the man after he was found on a roadway carrying a knife while intoxicated, police claim.

He was charged with one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, possessing a knife and public nuisance.

Mr Woods said more security was needed. He also shared images of what he described as a “sewage overflow”.

The resident also said he found the waste during his volunteer duties as a groundsman and neighbourhood watchman.

A Community Body Corporate (CBC) spokesman said the island flooded during February’s severe weather. “This has led to damage to various parts of the resort, which is being repaired,” he said.

Adding to community frustration is the lack of transport. Residents have started offering buggy rides for cash because the resort does not have public or private transport services.

Jon Quinn offered a pick up/transfer service after he got “tired of seeing so many guests struggling with luggage” trying to walk to accommodation.

He advertised his cash-only service on a community Facebook group, adding “the resort won’t allow a private owner to have business on the island”.

The CBC was approached for comment on this, but did not respond by deadline.

During the past few months, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions for Couran Cove residents, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.

Since the 2010s, Couran Cove has been plagued by several issues stemming from its complex body corporate structures and legal dramas.