Christies Beach, Moana caravan park residents expelled after 120 days

More than 30 permanent residents at Christies Beach and Moana Beach caravan parks have been told to vacate their sites, leaving them in limbo amid the rental crisis.

More than 30 permanent residents at Christies Beach and Moana Beach caravan parks have been told to vacate their sites.

The long-term dwellers were shocked to learn there was a time limit on the sites that many had resorted to calling home.

One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said the rental crisis is exhausting and the local council are just making it a whole lot worse.

Christies Beach Tourist Park has been a landing spot for those facing the rental crisis

“We have been going between Christies and Moana every 89 days for nearly a year,” she said.

“Recently we have been informed that the extended stays are no longer an option, in place is 30 day stays and only 120 days (annually) at each park.

“This has left us feeling helpless at a time where as a community we should be helping as much as we can.

“The rental crisis is exhausting, defeating and draining but knowing we had the security of being able to go to both Moana and Christies was somewhat a relief.”

The 2007 Residential Act deems Christies Beach and Moana Beach Caravan Parks ‘holiday parks’. Tourists can only remain in one caravan park for a specific time limit.

Yvonne Wedham, spokeswoman for Onkaparinga Council watch said the stigma around who can become homeless has flipped on its head in the past two years and is calling on Onkaparinga council to open their amenities to those in desperate need.

“Middle class Australia is in a housing crisis,” Ms Wedham said.

“There is a real opportunity for council to be a part of the solution, we need immediate action and a can do attitude.

“The private caravan parks are booked out, some have waiting lists. The people who are now homeless is so much more diverse, it’s not the stereotype of the unemployed and going nowhere in life, it’s not the case anymore.”

Acting Mayor Simon McMahon (AAP/ Keryn Stevens)

When asked if council would look into extending the long-term sites, acting Mayor Simon McMahon said all procedures that are currently in place are to ensure fairness to all.

“Both parks are managed day-to-day in line with their defined role as tourist parks,” he said.

“Consistency of conditions of occupancy (length of stays) is required to order ensure fairness, equity and surety for all visitors.

“As per the parks’ Community Land Management Plan, any significant change to existing uses requires public consultation and amendment of the management plan. The state government is responsible for housing while council has a role in supporting families experiencing disadvantage through our community centres.”