Stricken islanders fight back after power, water cut off

Residents of the exclusive Couran Cove island resort off the Gold Coast have launched a fighting fund after power, water and gas were cut off amid a bitter body corporate dispute.

Homeowners at a Queensland island resort where power, water and gas have been controversially cut off amid a bitter body corporate dispute have formed a “fighting fund” to help them buy emergency supplies.

About 150 homes at Couran Cove on South Stradbroke Island on the Gold Coast are without essential services after they were cut last week, leaving residents including the elderly and disabled in the lurch.

Couran Cove Island Resort

Police were called to Couran Cove last week amid rising tensions between residents and resort staff, including scuffles with security guards. No charges were laid.

The two companies which supply electricity, water and gas to the resort announced they were cutting off services because of more than $12 million in alleged body corporate fee arrears.

Police and security at Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island.

Residents have launched a GoFundMe campaign, alleging they are the victims of “dirty tactics played by nasty corporate bullies”.

“The people suffering have fully-paid their rent and body corporate whilst the corporates are responsible for 98 per cent of the debt,” they said on the fundraising platform.

“It seems the aim is to render people‘s homes uninhabitable so they can be forced off the island.

Couran Cove resident Janne Pitt, 89. Picture: Supplied

“Please support the dire needs of the Couran Cove Resort community. The larger portion of the resort population are elderly and disabled, many of whom are unable to power essential lifesaving medical equipment, and have no lighting or security to keep them safe.

A Couran Cove Island Resort residents’ protest in 2022.

“Funds raised will help provide supplies and support for the island community such as emergency washing and drinking water, power generators, portable lighting, portable toilets, security, transport, legal aid, media support, food and other basic living necessities.

Couran Cove Island residents like Mark Pitt left fuming as water and electricity is cut off while facilities fall into a state of disrepair. Picture Glenn Hampson

Couran Cove Island Resort eco cabin owner DJ (left) with eco cabin owner Karen Angel (right). Picture: supplied

“The inhabitants of Couran Cove Resort thank you kindly for your thoughts and support.”

The campaign had raised almost $9000 of its $50,000 target on Monday.