Security enforced at former Tewantin TAFE site following takeover attempt

Security measures have been put in place at an abandoned TAFE site on the Sunshine Coast following an “unauthorised entry” by a group who have defended their actions as trying to help the region’s homeless.

Security measures have been put in place at an abandoned TAFE site near Noosa, following a a clash between police and members of a community group at the facility.

Barricades have been installed and 24/7 security put in place at the former Tewantin TAFE site at 24 Cooroy-Noosa Rd.

A Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training spokesman said the security measures were installed following an “unauthorised entry” at the site by members of the Community Village group.

“After an unauthorised entry on Friday, January 5, the department approved additional security measures - namely further securing the boom gate, placing fencing across the entry to provide additional security against forced entry to the site, and security to monitor the site,” the spokesman said.

“Public safety is a priority for the Department and unauthorised access to the closed Tewantin TAFE campus for the purpose of moving or removing items places an unacceptable risk to members of the public.”

The security measures that have been put in place at the former Tewantin TAFE site. Picture: Patrick Woods

Members of Community Village claimed the purpose of the visit was to clean up the derelict former education facility in order to “prepare the site for use by people living in tents, cars, vans, and caravans” despite the land having never been approved for this use.

After police advised group members they could be charged with trespass if they entered any of the buildings on site, a member of the group was filmed telling police “we are the authority”.

The confrontation between members of the Community Village group and police at the former Tewantin TAFE site.

Community Village Group co-founder Cam Primavera said they had good intentions in attempting to clean up the site.

“Our whole intention was to try and help some of the homeless people in our area and we did that out of the goodness of our heart,” Primavera said.

“We had 30 odd volunteers turn up to give their time and energy, they didn’t have to, and then this is the thanks we get, so we’re feeling a little bit disappointed.”

The former Tewantin TAFE site is in a state of disarray.

The group co-founder criticised the decision to close the site off to the public.

“It means they couldn’t give a stuff about the community,” Primavera said.

“The community has gone in on their own back to try and clean the place up and keep it safe, even for people who walk their dogs through the properties which has been happening for the past eight years and now it’s been barricaded.

“So what does that tell you?”

The security measures that have been put in place at the former Tewantin TAFE site. Picture: Patrick Woods

Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP, who was at the TAFE site herself on the Friday, said there will be “zero tolerance” for this kind of activity going forward.

“Security has been placed on the site, with a zero tolerance for any further activities of this kind,” Bolton said.

“The unlawful activity on the site poses a significant safety risk, and that breaking into unsafe, closed sites is not an acceptable or lawful solution to homelessness, and any further unlawful activities will not be tolerated.”

Bolton said the future of the multi-million dollar former TAFE site at Tewantin, which was shut down in 2014, is of “great interest” to the Noosa community.

“The site continues to be of great interest to our office and many in our community,” she added.

“Before I was an MP, it originally closed without community consultation and with no plan for its continued use.

“State Government has advised previously to our requests to utilise this site in the interim for transportable accommodations, that the site is totally unsuitable due to its fire risk assessments from the surrounding bush, which cannot be cleared due to biodiversity overlays and koala habitat mapping.

“Finally, with an expression of interest process completed in 2022, the announcement of the successful proponents since then has been delayed whilst awaiting the finalisation of the Native Title processes over the broader Noosa region, which was estimated to be completed late last year.”

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will continue to maintain the former Tewantin TAFE site while this process is finalised.

Originally published as Security enforced at former Tewantin TAFE site following takeover attempt