Couran Cove Island Resort in turmoil, police on alert for chaos amid service disconnection

Police are on alert to race to Couran Cove amid fears tensions will erupt as a showdown looms over the disconnection of essential services.

Police are on alert to race to a Gold Coast island community amid fears tensions will erupt as a showdown looms over the axing of essential services.

There are fears chaos will ensue at the Couran Cove Island Resort on Monday when electricity, water and gas services are expected to be cut to the whole resort.

Couran Cove service provider Simon Napoli sent a letter last month warning all 360 dwellings in the community would have their services disconnected on April 17 due to alleged unpaid body corporate fees.

Gold Coast District acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said police were aware of the action being planned for the South Stradbroke Island community.

“The ongoing disputes at Couran Cove are primarily a civil dispute between the bodies corporate and involve a number of matters under current civil litigation,” he said.

“The Queensland Police Service have been advised of possible action arising out of the civil litigation which is planned to possibly occur on Monday and, if required, a policing presence will be there to ensure public safety and order.”

Police at Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island.

Couran Cove is home to a mix of permanent residents, part-time residents and holidaymakers.

NDIS participants, including people with disabilities and the elderly, were also living in the community through the Better Living in South Stradbroke program.

An NDIS Commission spokesperson confirmed those participants had been relocated to alternative accommodation.

Rhonda Dalgleish is among a small group of permanent residents who have decided to stay on the island.

“People are really scared - we’re miserable,” she said.

“Everyone is nerve-wracked and sick with worry. People are starting to fight among themselves.”

Couran Cove resident Rhonda Dalgleish. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Mr Napoli reported heightened tensions on the island in recent days and called for calm following several recent complaints of bodily harm, public nuisance and property damage.

“We are calling for an end to improper, unacceptable and offensive behaviour amid a growing number of concerning incidents on Couran Cove that are disrupting the peace and requiring urgent police intervention,” he said.

“Management is working closely with Queensland Police to ensure law and order is maintained on the island.

“A number of residents – and staff - have also come forward to management complaining that they have been harassed and intimated in unprovoked incidents.”

Couran Cove boss Simon Napoli. Picture: Simon Napoli

Police said they were aware of a number of criminal offences alleged to have occurred on the island, including wilful damage and theft.

No charges have been laid over these and investigations are ongoing.

Couran Cove Eco body corporate secretary Dave Bowden said home owners were being “harassed” and had reacted to “bullying behaviour”.

“I am concerned people are specifically targeting some residents and that’s of great concern,” he said.

“The islanders are banding together to try to help each other.”

Residents have planned a community meeting on Sunday to discuss and plan for Monday’s service cuts.