Secret documents reveal councillors were warned to not turf out Kirra elderly

Councillors were warned they were taking a huge risk legally and to the council’s public image by evicting elderly and financially poor residents from the Kirra Beach Tourist Park, confidential documents reveal.

Margaret Ashman has lived at the Kirra Beach Tourist Park for more than 20 years and is determined to stay in her home for a while yet.

COUNCILLORS were warned they were taking a huge risk legally and to the council’s public image by evicting elderly and financially poor residents from the Kirra Beach Tourist Park (KBTP).

The warning and confidential financial offers to 120 residents, some of them as old as 94, are in a council report obtained by Right To Information.

In February last year, councillors were urged to consider a longer negotiation and “reasonable” compensation.

“There is a possibility of adverse publicity from permanent residents many of whom have invested significantly to establish a residence within KBTP,” the report said.

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Long time Kirra Beach Tourist Park resident, Arch McGreachan has lived in his home for more than 30 years and at 93 has no intention of moving.

“Furthermore, many of the residents are elderly, some are financially disadvantaged and some are of failing health.”

Instead, councillors moved to proceed with the sale of sites and the council is facing a massive protest from rallying caravan owners who fear immediate eviction.

Councillors will view an updated report in the next few months after a stand-off where caravan park residents told council CEO Dale Dickson that they want guarantees of at least another three years tenancy.

The February 2018 council officer report had warned that the city was restricted in its options in the short term because residents were protected by law.

Residents could be given two months to vacate but there was no guarantee council would get the orders from QCAT.

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Residents of the Kirra Beach Tourist Park protest at a rally.

At a meeting, councillors agreed for officers to start negotiations to ensure all permanent residents were gone by June 30, 2028.

The report said KBTP occupancy was 53 per cent for powered sites, 64 per cent for dog friendly sites and 58 per cent for ensuite villas, but the park was generally full during major events.

Given council was planning to invest in the park to make it more attractive, the chance that more sites would be available for tourists would “drive improved financial performance”.

Residents say the report backs up their suspicion of being moved out so the council makes bigger profits.

Southern-based councillor Gail O'Neill at a council meeting. Pic by Richard Gosling

Southern-based councillor Gail O’Neill voted against the move, but has only obtained support from veteran councillor Dawn Crichlow.

Four months after the officer’s report, acting CEO Joe McCabe sent a confidential email to councillors noting that Mayor Tom Tate would provide an update on the park talks at a full council meeting.

Those residents on the 48 sites living in manufactured homes would be offered three alternatives.

They could sell their home to the council at an agreed price “representing fair market value” within the next three years, agree to a future sale date, or relocate with council providing $50,000 compensation.

One of the sites sold.

Mr McCabe noted $443,000 had been transferred immediately from council’s strategic budget reserves to allow for two manufactured homes to be bought.

A majority of councillors backed Mr Dickson starting the purchasing process. Cr Crichlow voted in the negative and both Cr O’Neill and southern-based colleague Daphne McDonald abstained.

A committee representing residents met with Cr O’Neill and Mr Dickson before Christmas where they asked that caravans with extensions like manufactured homes be provided compensation of $150,000.

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Committee leaders Ray Bischoff, Rod Pilling and Ron Winterbine also sought a commitment that residents who did not want to leave should not pay for their van sites to be demolished.

Permanent residences in the Kirra Beach Tourist Park which have been sold to Gold Coast City Council show signs of neglect with yards overgrown much to the annoyance of the park's permanent residents.

Mr Bischoff said one manufactured home sold prior to council’s decision was bought by the city for $275,000, and two others were obtained after owners went to an aged home.

The fourth property was the only one to be negotiated so far for $160,000.

At their last meeting before Christmas, councillors ticked off on allocating $205,000 and backed an annual ballot process where five sites would be bought each year.

“It’s a David and Goliath battle,” Mr Bischoff said. “We’re striving for an outcome of natural attrition.”

Cr O’Neill said the residents’ committee had asked that caravan owners not receive three years notice but 10 years like fellow park residents in manufactured homes.

“From my point of view it is a good idea that the debate is opened up again. I know Councillor Crichlow is supportive of the residents down there.

“Unfortunately she is the only one. I don’t have much hope of a rescinding motion.”