Plan to transform Couran Cove Island Resort into crisis housing

How would you like to live at Couran Cove? A property guru has floated a plan to turn the troubled island resort into a haven for the homeless.

A Fadden by-election candidate has offered to stump up a million dollars of his own money to transform a troubled Gold Coast island resort into a haven for the homeless.

Independent candidate Kevin Young said he would consider a million-dollar investment in Couran Cove Island Resort – but only if all levels of government committed to a rescue package.

The Property Club founder said the South Stradbroke Island community was too important to stay closed and was “ready made for homeless accommodation”.

Property Club founder and independent Fadden candidate Kevin Young. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“I did it for the Red Cross and I’ll look at kicking in another million dollars for Couran Cove, but only if I see a commitment from the federal and state government and Gold Coast City Council before the Fadden by-election to work together to re-open (it),” Mr Young said.

“It is a slap in the face for the homeless on the Gold Coast that governments spend millions of dollars on facilities like Wellcamp at Toowoomba and they remain vacant.

“We have our very own Wellcamp here on the Gold Coast in Couran Cove and it is a disgrace that it has been left idle and rotting after closing a few weeks ago.”

Waterfront units at Couran Cove, South Stradbroke Island. Picture: Steve Holland

The resort’s eco body corporate chair Ernie Johnson said the island was not an appropriate place to house people who relied on social services.

It is a 20-minute boat ride to the mainland and does not currently have any ferry services.

The resident stopped short of canning the entire proposal.

Couran Cove residents Ernie and Barbara Johnson. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“If there was a ferry service that could be reinstated in some way so that people could commute to and from the island, then I think as a low cost housing option, it certainly would be appropriate,” Mr Johnson said.

“There are probably 200 houses on the island that could be made available for medium to short-term rentals while people are waiting for other opportunities.”

The resort’s other troubles have been well documented.

In February, power, water and gas were cut off amid a bitter body corporate dispute.

Their sewerage system was shut off last month.

Around 40 people who remain there have vowed to live off-grid.

Mr Johnson estimated it could cost up to $5 million to reinstate essential services that had been neglected from a lack of maintenance.

“The council or the government will need to step up and provide some assistance either by means of loans or grants to reinstate those utilities,” he said.

“If they did that, it could certainly be an opportunity for people who are finding it hard to rent reasonable accommodation.”

A Department of Housing spokesman said: “The site is not considered appropriate due to its remote location, lack of available intensive and nearby support services, and there is currently no electricity or sewerage services connected to the area”.