Wantirna Caravan Park owner announces it will close in March 2018
PERMANENT residents at a caravan park in Melbourne’s east face a bleak Christmas as they come to terms with news they will lose their homes in 13 months.
Outer East
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PERMANENT residents at Wantirna Caravan Park face a bleak Christmas as they come to terms with news they will be kicked out of their homes in early 2018.
In a statement released on Friday by PR agency Royce Communications, the owner of the park announced a decision to close by March 31 2018, as a result of “a detailed business analysis” with the land set to be redeveloped.
All residents need to be out by early January in 2018.
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In a slap in the face for tenants, the statement acknowledged “this is not good news for our residents”.
“(But) by informing residents now, more than 13 months ahead of our final closing date, we hope we can lessen the impact and pressure on those who will have to make alternative living arrangements,” it said.
“Wantirna Park management is committed to working with residents to help them understand their position and is currently considering what further assistance might be offered to residents.”
The statement said the future of the park was likely to include some form of development and the owner had been in discussions with planning experts and Knox Council.
“However, the decision to close Wantirna Park is separate and distinct from any decision regarding planning, and the closure of the Wantirna Park will proceed regardless of any development plans,” the statement said.
The site is currently zoned as general residential schedule 1.
Knox Council chief executive Tony Doyle told Leader in October that a planning permit would be needed to develop the land, and the council hadn’t received any such applications.
He said the council’s active ageing and disability services provided a housing support service for people over 55 who did not own their home or were unable to obtain affordable private rental within Knox.
Any residents who need help can phone council’s housing support officer on 9298 8303 or UnitingCare Harrison on 9871 8700.
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