Errol Ave Paradise Point units at centre of complaints from locals over string of incidents
A unit complex nestled in the heart of one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after suburbs is at the centre of multiple complaints, with locals saying they are afraid to walk in nearby streets. FULL DETAILS
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An 18-unit social housing complex nestled in the heart of one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after suburbs is at the centre of multiple complaints by locals who say they are afraid to walk in nearby streets.
Residents allege some tenants and visitors at the complex on Errol Avenue in Paradise Point have been responsible for fights, drug dealing, slashing tyres and public exposure – making life a misery for other tenants and neighbours in surrounding properties.
Long-term locals the Bulletin spoke to said the problem had become so bad that some people had left the area, while local MP David Crisafulli said the issue was “tearing the community apart”.
“It’s causing major issues. It’s had a big impact on residents,” one person said.
“A woman in her sixties who lived across the road left five months ago. She was having mental health issues.
“She started crying every day, saying I can’t put up with this any more. And she moved out.”
Others had tried to leave but had trouble selling their houses.
One nearby property was on the market for more than 100 days without attracting a buyer despite being advertised at a price 25 per cent below the Paradise Point median.
Residents said the reason was the constant noise and trouble from the complex, the fear of having tyres slashed and prospect of running into certain individuals on the street.
“We have a lot of elderly women who won’t walk now, they take their car,” one said.
“... You need to go in pairs (when walking in the area), not have anything expensive, pick your time.
“These are desperate people living on very little money.
“... One guy there I’m really afraid of. If I see him walking close by, I’ll go home.”
The residents, who did not wish to be named due to fears for their safety, said public transport had also become a problem – because trouble-makers were forced to take buses to do shopping having been barred from the only supermarket within walking distance.
“The behaviour on the buses is vile. They’re like teenagers, but they’re men in their forties,” they said.
“One problem leads to another. It mushrooms.”
A NEW KIND OF TENANT
Long-term residents spoken to by the Bulletin said there had been social housing in Paradise Point for decades – including the Errol Ave units.
They want that to remain the case, particularly given the dire need for public housing on the Gold Coast.
They said the trouble on Errol Ave had only taken off in recent years due to the arrival of a different kind of tenant.
“We’re very supportive of housing commission. I think people would be very surprised by how many are here. It’s just one (Errol Ave) that causes the trouble,” one local said.
“... For thirty years we never really had a problem.
“But we’ve just got a different kind of person there now. It’s a very entitled group of individuals.
“There’s mainly males there and they’re in cahoots with each other.”
The residents said the people causing trouble were “high needs” and were struggling to adapt to living in an area that lacked the services they required.
“Some people there have mental health issues, they’ve had accidents, they have drug problems. Put them in a small space with others and you’re going to get these problems,” the resident said.
“We want them to be here. But there’s no support or services.
“... The problem is they shove them in there, say this is your home, see ya later.
“I rang Housing and said these people are left to their own devices. Some of these people have mental health issues and they can’t look after themselves. I don’t think the services are here for them.
“It’s a sad situation. I’m pretty narked off with a community that just dumps these people without help. The health people won’t go in there unless the police are with them.
“We need to try and find a good solution for these people.”
CONSTANT LOUD MUSIC, TYRES SLASHED
The concerns of residents have been taken up by local MP and LNP leader David Crisafulli, who made a speech in Parliament about the matter last month.
Mr Crisafulli said there were some “great people” in the Errol Ave property whose lives were also being made a misery by the actions of a small number of unruly people.
“It is spoiling the amenity of neighbouring properties – and I have spoken with
families, retirees, a teacher and an airline worker – but it is also spoiling it for the tenants of that housing commission property,” Mr Crisfulli said.
“There are some great people in there. I want to tell the stories of two who have reached out to me about the behaviour of some of their cohort.
“The first one states: ‘The havoc they are causing me from constant loud music, swearing, unduly driving ... is so bad. I have PTSD from really bad times in my life brought on from anxiety and stress, and this is adding to it.’
“Another gentleman who had the tyres of his car slashed has been too afraid to go to the police.
“These are tenants of that public housing property and they want their serenity back.”
Mr Crisafulli, who has since written to Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch about the issue, said the problem was “tearing the community apart”.
He called for high needs tenants to be housed in a more appropriate location, and their units reallocated to other people on the public housing waiting list.
“We need high needs people to be able to get the care they deserve and the people on the waiting list need access to properties like this,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“For years this property has been an integral part of the community. Its tenants have been welcomed. They have been embraced.
“Right now the unruly behaviour of a few is tearing the community apart. The businesses are reporting theft and neighbours are reporting night-times of havoc – music and vandalism – and it has to stop.”
ASSISTING PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS
A spokesperson from the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy declined to comment on complaints regarding Errol Ave, saying they could not comment on individual cases due to privacy laws.
However they said the department “takes its responsibility as a landlord seriously” and “works proactively with all customers in addressing their housing needs.”
“Everyone needs a place to call home, but many people in our communities face extra challenges in accessing housing supports and obtaining or sustaining a tenancy,” the spokesperson said.
“Housing and Homelessness Services (HHS) works actively with customers and local services to assist people to access long-term housing pathways and identify effective approaches to assist people with complex needs.
“The department takes its responsibility as a landlord seriously and investigates all issues, being mindful of the rights of people involved. Where complaints are substantiated, formal action is taken under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) and the department’s Fair Expectations of Behaviour policy.
“In most cases, the department endeavours to assist tenants to modify their behaviour so they can sustain their tenancy and live in harmony with their neighbours.”
WHEN THE CROWDS DESCEND
Residents said the Department had taken action in recent weeks in response to complaints, with one well-known troublemaker evicted.
They said local police had been “absolutely fantastic” in responding to their concerns.
But problems had persisted, with weekends a particular nightmare because of the number of visitors that arrived at the complex.
“There’s only 18 units, but tonight there’ll be 50 of them,” one resident said.
“Housing went in three or four months ago with police and went through it, checking that the people who were there were meant to be there. And people went running in every direction.
“We don’t have any issue with housing commission in Paradise Point but some of them are robbing, playing duff duff music, walking up to elderly ladies getting out of their cars and asking for money.
“And walking up to patrons at local businesses. It’s hurting those businesses.
“They (the businesses) don’t know what to do. If they try to do something they (the troublemakers) will come back later and do damage.
“We’re getting to the stage where we’re saying enough is enough.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Errol Ave Paradise Point units at centre of complaints from locals over string of incidents
NAMED: Cop charged with assault on stranger
A Gold Coast police officer accused of assaulting a younger man he did not know at the time has been identified in court.
‘Ludicrous’: Criminals, bikies and journalists in same police category
Police and experts are stunned by a new internal directive adding journalists and media “incompatible with QPS values” to a declaration list including criminals and religious extremists.