Judy’s Story

I'm Judy Stark, mother and grandmother. My family all live on the Sunshine Coast. Two generations before me also called this area home. My caravan is the only home I've owned and that gives me much satisfaction. I love living close to nature and could not imagine finding peace in crowded and noisy social housing even if rooms were available. Jacqueline allowing me to live in my caravan on her property was a Godsend.

I feel saddened and vulnerable as I am now classed as a homeless person, compelled to couchsurf.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council are aware that I have moved out of my caravan but a Compliance Officer has still demanded that Jacqueline 'decommission' my caravan and make it 'uninhabitable and vacant' while on her property. This included

•            removing the solar panels

•            removing all domestic items

•            removing a water tank

I am shocked and angry that the Council threatened Jacqueline with a fine of over $700,000, yes over 700 thousand dollars, if their demands were not met.

 I have been coerced by the Council to comply with their uncaring demands.

1.        The solar panels were removed. I needed an electrician to safely disconnect the system. The batteries are deep cycle AGM, expensive, and would be destroyed unless kept charged. Again, I have been compelled to rely on friends.

2.       Regarding removing all my domestic items, is it lawful for the Council to expect me to remove all my belongings?

3.        A veg and flower garden has always been important to me for my health and wellbeing. I collect water in buckets from run-off from a tarpaulin and tip the water into the tank. water to keep my vegetable and flower garden alive.

 I believe that these demands by the Council are cruel, if not illegal. I feel unseen and devalued by a council that claims to care about the welfare of their senior residents.