Opposition leader David Crisafulli’s major call on Couran Cove Island Resort

Opposition leader David Crisafulli has blasted the government for ‘refusing to listen to the cries for help’ from Couran Cove residents. Read his major call for action.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli has backed calls for an independent government inquiry into residents of a Gold Coast island community cut off from essential services for more than two weeks.

Mr Crisafulli has accused the state government of “refusing to listen to the cries for help” from residents of the Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island.

“The situation at Couran Cove has reached disturbing new lows,” he said.

“Residents have endured two weeks without the most basic of services and the state government has sat back and repeatedly ignored desperate calls for intervention.

“All options should be on the table to get the residents the answers they deserve.”

Opposition leader David Crisafulli. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The Broadwater MP, whose electorate takes in the community of Couran Cove, said he had written another letter to Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman demanding action on the crisis.

Water, electricity and gas was cut off to about 100 homes on the island on February 15 amid claims that more than $20 million in body corporate fees had not been paid. A Couran Cove spokesman said about 100 remained without power and water due to unpaid bills - whilst 250 homes which are part of body corporates that have paid bills still have power and water connected, the spokesman said.

There are five body corporates involved on the island, with complex court proceedings playing out over the alleged unpaid fees.

The Bulletin spoke to remaining residents on the island who said they had paid their body corporate fees and had been unfairly caught in the middle of the dispute.

The entrance sign to Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island. Picture: Tertius Pickard

A majority of residents who had their services cut off have packed up and left the island.

Many of those who remain have banded together to call for an independent state government inquiry to resolve the crisis and prevent it from happening to other communities.

Last month, a spokesman for the resort said it also supported the push for an independent probe.

A state government spokesman said a number of its agencies were working to help affected residents.

“Although the matter is a private matter concerning the body corporate, several state government agencies have met to discuss what actions may be available to better support residents and how the government may be able to work with the council,” he said.

It has already delivered emergency water supplies to residents and community recovery officers have provided them with information about support services available.

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion CEO Matilda Alexander urged any affected residents to contact the organisation if they needed help.

“It is appalling to think anyone would be living in conditions where they don’t have access to water or electricity,” Ms Alexander said.

“Requiring people to live like that potentially infringes a range of their rights, including their human rights and we would encourage those residents to seek advice on what they can do about enforcing their rights.”