South Stradbroke residents take ‘control back’ of embattled Couran Cove Island Resort

There has been a major win for property owners locked in a long-running dispute with their body corporate months after they called on the state government for help. WHAT IT MEANS

An outspoken resident of an embattled island resort says sweeping changes to body corporate laws are a win for his community.

The state government introduced a bill into parliament on Tuesday that aims to benefit owners of units and townhouses in certain resorts and mixed use-developments.

This came about after Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman met with Couran Cove Island Resort residents last year.

The bill included new committee eligibility requirements, increased transparency in body corporate decision-making, better financial management practices and more protections for owners.

Couran Cove Island Resort

Ms Fentiman said the changes would also allow more access to information, education and dispute resolution services for proprietors in these developments.

“I met with a number of Couran Cove Island Resort residents in April 2021 to discuss a number of concerning issues which involve complex commercial arrangements, allegations of large amounts of unpaid debts, body corporate governance issues and other matters,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This bill will go some way in addressing their concerns about the legislation.”

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Over the past year, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions for Couran Cove residents, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.

Since the 2010s, Couran Cove has been plagued by several issues stemming from its complex body corporate structures and legal dramas.

Resident Bernie Woods said the community was “very happy” with the bill, and it could not “come fast enough” for them.

“It’s going to close up some loopholes and allow people to have a say instead of being locked out,” Mr Woods said.

“It probably won’t address every (concern), but it’s going to go a long way.

“We can have control back of our body corporate.”

Resident Bernie Woods. Picture Mike Batterham

The resort – situated on South Stradbroke Island – is a wholly self-sufficient mixed-use development.

The island’s community body corporate (CBC) is responsible for services including power, sewerage treatment and water supply.

In September last year, residents called on the state government to step in to resolve their dispute with the CBC after their gas supply was turned off due to safety concerns.

The residents posed for a photo with the words “help no gas” written in the sand in a public plea for help.

The Bulletin contacted Opposition Leader David Crisafulli for a response to the bill.

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