Reforms big step in Couran stoush
COURAN Cove residents gathered at Parliament House to witness the passage of the most significant reforms to Queensland body corporate law in decades.
The reforms, which passed in the Queensland Parliament on Tuesday, included new committee eligibility requirements, increased transparency in body corporate decisionmaking, better financial management practices and more protections for owners.
These changes come after residents at Couran Cove have been caught up in a complicated body corporate legal battle. There are five body corporates involved on the island, with court proceedings playing out over allegations of millions in unpaid levies.
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the changes would also allow more access to information, education and dispute resolution services that aimed to benefit owners of units and townhouses in certain resorts and mixed use-developments.
“I have met with (Couran Cove) residents to discuss their situation which involves complex commercial arrangements and body corporate governance issues,” she said.
“The amendments to the acts will provide better protections for owners and make sure they have increased access to information and dispute resolution services.”
The amendments will be enforced from December 1, 2022. Over the past 18 months, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions some Couran Cove residents on South Stradbroke Island have faced, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.
Most recently dozens of residents, including the sick and elderly, had their electricity cut amid the body corporate legal war. A small number of residents also had their water supply disconnected.
Strata Community Association Qld boss Laura Bos said the passage of the bill was parliament “working for the common good”.
“I really hope these reforms can be a tangible step in the right direction for affected communities, particularly those at Couran Cove whose stories in recent weeks have been particularly harrowing,” Ms Bos said.
Eco cabin owner Michelle Bowden said residents had not had their power restored almost two months on.
“There were people who did buy generators,” she said.
Ms Bowden thanked Ms Fentiman and her office for working with affected community members.