Knife wielding man terrifies residents on Gold Coast’s South Stradbroke Island at Couran Cove

Frustrated Gold Coast residents have spoken up about a frightening violent encounter, sewage overflow issues and a lack of transport services in their community.

A resident of an embattled island resort is calling for better security after a knife-wielding man went on a destructive rampage.

Bernie Woods said a half-naked man was “running around with a machete” and damaging property in the Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island.

Video also shows destruction at an eco cabin.

A police spokeswoman said a 30-year-old man was arrested on the island on Sunday night. He allegedly assaulted a 21-year-old woman, causing bruising and grazes.

Residents had to restrain and disarm the man after he was found on a roadway carrying a knife while intoxicated, police claim.

Photo of damage caused to an eco cabin at the Couran Cove Island Resort.

He was charged with one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, possessing a knife and public nuisance.

Mr Woods said he was 20 metres away when the chaos unfolded and the man’s aggressive behaviour had been a regular occurrence over the past three months.

Couran Cove Island Resort residents Anthony Swords and Bernie Woods. Picture: Mike Batterham

Mr Woods said more security was needed for residents. He also shared images of what he described as a “sewage overflow”.

The long-term resident said he found the waste during his volunteer duties as a groundsman and neighbourhood watchman.

He regularly removes fallen tree branches from the road and conducts other maintenance.

“I just want to take pride in the place,” Mr Woods said.

A Community Body Corporate (CBC) spokesman said the island flooded during February’s severe weather.

“This has led to damage to various parts of the resort, which is being repaired,” he said.

Adding to community frustration is the lack of transport on the island.

Residents have started offering buggy rides for cash because the resort does not have public or private transport services.

Jon Quinn offered a pick up/transfer service after he got “tired of seeing so many guests struggling with luggage” and families trying to walk to their accommodation.

He advertised his cash-only service on a community Facebook group, adding “the resort won’t allow a private owner to have business on the island”.

The CBC was approached for comment on this, but did not respond by deadline.

During the past several months, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions for Couran Cove residents, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.

Since the 2010s, Couran Cove has been plagued by several issues stemming from its complex body corporate structures and legal dramas.

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