Major win for Couran Cove Island Resort residents without power, water

Residents of an embattled island community who had their electricity deliberately cut almost two months ago are celebrating a ‘win’. Find out why

Couran Cove residents gathered at Parliament House to witness the passage of the most significant reforms to Queensland body corporate law in decades.

The reforms, which passed in the Queensland Parliament on Tuesday, included new committee eligibility requirements, increased transparency in body corporate decision-making, better financial management practices and more protections for owners.

The changes come after residents at Couran Cove were caught up in a complicated body corporate legal battle.

There are five body corporates involved on the island, with court proceedings playing out over allegations of millions of dollars in unpaid levies.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the changes would also allow more access to information, education and dispute resolution services that aimed to benefit owners of units and townhouses in certain resorts and mixed use-developments.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“I have met with (Couran Cove) residents to discuss their situation which involves complex commercial arrangements and body corporate governance issues,” she said.

“The amendments to the acts will provide better protections for owners and make sure they have increased access to information and dispute resolution services.”

The amendments will be enforced from December 1, 2022.

Over the past 18 months, the Bulletin has revealed shocking conditions some Couran Cove residents on South Stradbroke Island have faced, including being without hot water and gas for cooking for two months.

Couran Cove residents like Mark Pitt have been left fuming after water and electricity was cut off. Picture Glenn Hampson

Most recently dozens of residents, including the sick and elderly, had their electricity cut amid the body corporate legal war.

A small number of residents also had their water supply disconnected.

Eco cabin owner Michelle Bowden said residents had not had their power restored almost two months on.

“There were people who did buy generators. People have got contingency plans,” she said.

Ms Bowden thanked Ms Fentiman and her office for working with affected community members.

Couran Cove Island Resort eco cabin owner DJ (left) with eco cabin owner Karen Angel (right). Picture: supplied

Strata Community Association Qld boss Laura Bos said the passage of the bill was an example of the parliament “working for the common good”.

“I really hope these reforms can be a tangible step in the right direction for affected communities, particularly those at Couran Cove whose stories in recent weeks have been particularly harrowing. My thoughts are with them,” Ms Bos said.

The strata boss said while an important first step, management rights and other body corporate issues now required urgent attention.

Originally published as Major win for Couran Cove Island Resort residents without power, water