De Lago Resort on Lake Bennett: Manager Glenn Sorensen’s guerrilla business revealed, NT Health ‘livid’

The former manager of De Lago Resort and his partner continue to make a buck off the doomed holiday spot, claiming the health department’s shutdown applied to the proprietor, not to them.

De Lago Resort at Lake Bennett. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

The former manager of De Lago Resort on Lake Bennett continues to make a buck off the doomed holiday spot, saying the health department’s order to shut up shop applied to the proprietor, not to him.

Last month, the popular weekend getaway closed its doors after NT Health’s environmental health branch issued business owner Andrew Gunn a Public Health Order preventing food and accommodation provision on-site until alleged wastewater management defects were rectified.

Mr Gunn subsequently told the NT News he expected to place the company that operated De Lago, LBR (NT) Pty Ltd, into liquidation amid mounting debts and no cash flow.

However, it can now be revealed a former employee of Mr Gunn’s, manager Glenn Sorensen, and his partner Mark Bennett, continue to remain on-site and open for business in a reduced capacity.

On May 11, user ‘Mark B’ – Mr Bennett – advertised a camping/recreational vehicle site at Lake Bennett for $54/night via private campsite marketplace Hipcamp.

“Perfect place for a quiet camp and to go canoeing, picnic, swimming in lake, and pool and stunning sunsets,” the listing states.

“Kiosk available for lite [sic] refreshments and necessary items.

Hipcamp advertisement for camping/RV accommodation at Lake Bennett. Picture: Hipcamp

“This site has no water supply. Camp toilets and kitchen are available. It is close to all activities and amenities.”

Mr Sorensen confirmed the pair’s sideline when contacted by the NT News, claiming officers from the environmental health branch had confronted them on Friday.

“They produced the health orders they placed on Andrew and wanted to know why the building was unlocked, why were we hiring out canoes and selling bottled water,” Mr Sorensen said.

“The health order was placed on Andrew [Mr Gunn], not on the building – that health order left with Andrew.”

Glenn Sorensen and Mark Bennett. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sorensen described the health officers as being “absolutely livid” upon discovering his guerrilla operation.

“Ultimately I explained to them what we’re trying to do, we’re not trying to get rich, but if the power goes off because we can’t pay the bill, sewage will be running down Chinner Rd,” Mr Sorensen said.

“All we’re trying to do is earn a little bit of income to keep the lights on.

Hipcamp advertisement for camping/RV accommodation at Lake Bennett. Picture: Hipcamp

“People will still find this place, still camp here, so having some sort of control over it is better than having no control over it.

“Come have a swim in the pool, of course we’re treating the pool, bring your own food for a picnic, and we ask for you to make a donation towards our power bill.

“I don’t see a problem with that.”

NT Health said it was investigating a “suspected breach” of the Public Health Order at Lake Bennett, but was unable to comment further.