Police called to Errol Ave Paradise Point units 99 times in a year

Figures have been released showing police were last year repeatedly called to jobs at a troubled Gold Coast unit block. FULL DETAILS

POLICE were last year called to a troubled Paradise Point unit complex an average of almost twice a week.

Officers attended the Errol Ave units – subject of repeated complaints about the behaviour of some tenants – a total of 99 times in 2022, figures show. They were released in response to a Question on Notice from Broadwater MP David Crisafulli.

The Bulletin last year revealed locals were afraid to walk nearby streets amid allegations of fights, drug dealing, slashing tyres and public exposure by some residents.

The social housing units at the corner of Errol Ave and Joy Ave in Paradise Point. Photo: Tertius Pickard

This newspaper in December also revealed how the issues were causing havoc for other tenants, with one woman having died in September after struggling with life at the 18-unit social housing complex.

A number of people have since been moved out of the units. Neighbours said incidences of bad behaviour had substantially decreased as a result, with one commenting they had been able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas at their home for the first time in years.

Broadwater MP David Crisafulli. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mr Crisafulli welcomed the news of the evictions, but said it had taken far too long for the Housing Department to act.

“It shouldn’t take a campaign running for over a year involving police, neighbours, the local MP and the media for the Housing Minister to listen,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We have the longest social housing waiting list in our state’s history and these scarce properties should be used to help those in need who are willing to become part of the local community, not seek to destroy the fabric of the area they move into.

“This question on notice proves how much police resources were going into trying to keep the peace because of a handful of troublemakers in a beautiful community where owners, renters and social housing tenants have lived together for decades.

“The Minister for Housing needs to acknowledge the failure to deal with the small number of troublemakers means worthy people aren’t getting a roof over their head and neighbours suffer for years before they are finally pressured into acting.”

Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch, in a response to Mr Crisafulli, said the department “takes its responsibility as a landlord seriously” and “investigates all issues”.

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