Long-term residents of caravan parks in regional Western Australia face imminent eviction as a result of ownership changes, leaving many unaware of their rights and support options. The situation, highlighted earlier this year, has intensified with the August eviction date for some tenants at Drummond Cove Holiday Park approaching rapidly. Advocates are sounding the alarm over a lack of government oversight, which they believe has left vulnerable residents susceptible to exploitative practices.
Eviction Notices Raise Concerns
Many residents, including Kevin Logan, who has called Drummond Cove home for nearly a decade, are grappling with uncertainty. Logan invested $230,000 in a seaside cabin under the impression it would serve as his permanent residence. “We were told by the caravan park owner that we’d be here for the rest of our lives,” Logan stated, reflecting the deep sense of betrayal felt among the tenants.
The eviction notices were issued following the acquisition of the park by Wajarri Enterprises, which cited “historical maintenance issues” as the reason for the park’s closure. The abruptness of the situation is compounded by the fact that many long-term tenants did not receive written lease agreements, leaving them without legal recourse under the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006, which mandates compensation for tenants with fixed-term agreements.
Logan expressed his distress over the prospect of relocating in his later years. “Where am I going to shift to? I don’t own any other land,” he lamented, highlighting the challenges faced by seniors in the current housing crisis.
Long-term Residents Left Vulnerable
Another resident, Robin Bollard, has lived at Rose Gardens Beachside Holiday Park for over 20 years. She noted that while newer tenants have received lease agreements, she never did until recent negotiations concerning the park’s sale to the RAC. This transaction will trigger a 180-day eviction notice for long-stay tenants, further amplifying concerns about housing security.
The park’s owner, Redwood Corporate, claimed that although original signed agreements were lost in a flood, replacement agreements were issued. Many residents, however, remain skeptical about the security of their living arrangements. “I think it would be quite shaky,” Bollard remarked, echoing sentiments of insecurity among long-term tenants.
Redwood has also proposed relocation assistance with a combined $25,000 offer to affected tenants, although no residents have taken up the opportunity to move to the nearby Albany Holiday Park.
As the housing crisis continues to escalate, tenant advocacy groups, such as the Park Home Owners Association of WA, are calling for increased government compliance checks on caravan park operators. Spokesperson Simon Watt highlighted that many residents are unaware of their rights and the legal safeguards designed to protect them.
“There are enormous safeguards but nobody necessarily knows about them,” Watt stated, urging for more proactive measures to ensure tenants are informed about their rights and obligations.
Consumer Protection officials have acknowledged the lack of awareness among residents regarding the risks associated with living in caravan parks. Senior regional officer Natasha Pirrottina emphasized the shared responsibility of both tenants and operators to establish adequate agreements, especially during ownership transfers.
The Consumer Protection agency is preparing a review of the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 to address these concerns, with the aim of creating clearer regulations. Carol McCracken, chief executive of Caravan & Camping WA, welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it would lead to improved clarity for all parties involved.
As residents face the stark reality of eviction, the urgent need for comprehensive support and oversight in the caravan park sector remains a pressing issue. The unfolding situation at Drummond Cove and Rose Gardens highlights the vulnerability of long-term tenants and the critical role of government intervention in safeguarding their rights.
