Couran Cove Island Resort resident ‘full of rage’ clashes with staffer in video

Video has emerged of a clash on Couran Cove as dozens are forced to find emergency accommodation amid the axing of their utilities.

Video on an embattled island resort days after everyone was told essential services would be axed indefinitely shows a heated exchange between a staff member and defiant residents.

Dozens living at the Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island are scrambling to find alternative accommodation after they received a letter stating their electricity, gas and water services would be cut from 10am on April 17.

The reason given was due to alleged unpaid body corporate fees.

The video, taken by a resort resident on Friday, captured a confrontation between a marina staffer and residents.

“By the 18th (of April), you’re all off (from here),” the staff member can be heard saying during the video.

A resident in the background responded: “We are not going anywhere”.

Residents clash with a staff member at Couran Cove.

The staff member confronts a resident filming him and then says: “Look at you, you’re shaking away there, you’re that scared”.

The man filming responded: “I’m full of rage mate, I’m not scared.”

The staffer can later be heard saying: “This is all getting shut off and gated off as of the 18th”.

A Couran Cove spokesman said he understood the confrontation was sparked by alleged damage to marina facilities, which had been reported to police.

The April 17 cut off letter was signed by Island Resorts (Infrastructure) and Island Resorts (Facilities and Equipment) company director Simon Napoli. It alleged millions of dollars were owed under service agreements.

There are five bodies corporate involved on the island, with complex court proceedings playing out over allegations of millions of dollars in unpaid levies.

The elderly and people with disabilities are among the dozens being forced to relocate from the island due to the axing of services.

Gates blocking access to the pool area at Couran Cove Island Resort earlier this year.

They are currently living on the island through the Better Living South Stradbroke program, run by Wellness Australia Group.

An NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission spokeswoman said it was aware of the situation.

“(The NDIS) continues to work closely with the provider to ensure suitable alternate accommodation arrangements are in place and that participants continue to receive quality supports and services,” she said.

A Queensland Department of Seniors and Disability Services spokesman said its priority was to ensure people living at Couran Cove were safe and had access to essential services.

“Community Recovery is visiting the island to door knock all impacted residents,” he said.

“We are closely monitoring this situation and will continue to work with relevant state and federal agencies to meet the needs of people with disability and seniors at Couran Cove.”

A sign at the entrance of Couran Cove. Picture: Tertius Pickard

A state government spokeswoman said it was supporting residents and discussing a long-term solution.

“While the situation at Couran Cove is the result of private disputes that are currently before the courts, the government is continuing to explore all options available to us,” she said.

“While this complex legal dispute plays out, the government has funded the delivery of thousands of litres of water and has been in contact with Gold Coast Council about bulk water delivery.

“Community Recovery and the Australian Red Cross have visited impacted residents at Couran Cove on three occasions since February with the most recent visits occurring on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April to provide information around support and referrals to service providers.

“We are continuing to work with residents and offer support, including referrals for temporary housing, financial counselling, legal aid and other services including NDIS.”

Residents who require housing assistance can contact the Gold Coast Housing Service Centre (HSC) during business hours on 5645 8100 or call 13QGOV.

Emotional support is also available for residents via Lifeline 24 hours per day on 13 11 14.

Residents can also contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 if they require emotional or practical support.