Josh Heins, Manu Bohn take tiny home stoush to Bega Valley Council

A couple facing $10k in fines per day just for enjoying the serenity of their tiny home on a South Coast farm have taken their battle to council halls, after a staggering 26,000 people signed a petition backing their fight.

Josh Heins and his partner, Manuel Bohn with their tiny home. Picture: Supplied

A couple facing $10,000 in fines per day just for enjoying the serenity of their tiny home on a South Coast farm have taken their battle to council halls, after a staggering 26,000 people signed a petition backing their fight.

It comes amid an ongoing debate over what constitutes a ‘tiny home’, and whether they are considered a movable dwelling.

Couple Josh Heins and Manu Bohn first built their tiny home at their friends’ Bega farm in 2023 and have been living in it in harmony since.

However, their friends, the property owners, were recently hit with an alarming letter penned by Bega Valley Shire Council compliance officers, demanding the tiny home be removed from the farm, or penalties of up to $10,000 a day could be dished out.

“An unauthorised structure at your property is being used as a residential dwelling without approval,” the letter reads.

The letter continues, warning the massive fines would be in place if the orders were not complied with.

The tiny home was first put on the property in 2023. Picture: Supplied

Mr Manu said without the tiny home, he and his partner would be homeless.

“There was no dialogue, no conversation – we just got sent this letter with fines,” he said.

The property owners where Josh and Manuel have their tiny home were issued the stark letter.

“I just want this to stop.”

In a bid to fight back against what Mr Manu and Mr Heins deem an injustice, the pair kickstarted an online petition against council’s decision on the grounds they failed to work with them “in good faith” and were going against their 2023 declaration of a housing crisis.

The petition also urges council to review their movable dwelling policy, noting tiny homes should be exempt.

In mere weeks, the petition has garnered more than 26,000 signatures.

The tiny home is at a Bega Valley farm. Picture: Supplied

“We are fortunate to be in a position where we can, and will, use our voices to advocate for change on this issue,” Mr Heins said.

“We know not everyone is in such a fortunate boat. What happens when compliance officers come for a young mother in a tiny home who is fleeing domestic violence? Or for seniors who have nothing left after a bushfire or flood?”

The debate has now reached Bega Valley Shire Council chambers, with the elected body reviewing their policies on movable dwellings being used as permanent residencies on Wednesday.

Despite Mr Manu’s and Mr Heins’ calls, council papers suggest their pleas could go unanswered.

“While it is acknowledged the Bega Valley Shire is experiencing a housing shortage, council has an obligation to ensure housing is safe and appropriate,” council papers state.

The review of the policy also comes after Bega Valley mayor Russell Fitzpatrick revealed council had raised the issue of tiny homes with the state government multiple times to no avail.

“We’ve met with ministers time and time again, and while they say they understand, we are yet to see any chances or clarification,” he said.

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Originally published as Josh Heins, Manu Bohn take tiny home stoush to Bega Valley Council