A long-time resident at a Werribee South caravan park has been given a year to vacate to make way for “boutique style” beachside living.
Beverley Bolton and her husband Bill were last week served with an eviction notice and have been given until October 18, 2018, to leave the BP Caravan Park to make way for the Wyndham Cove Estate, which is being developed by new owners Holiday Lifestyle Developments.
The Boltons, who own the unit they live in but not the land, said they couldn’t afford to buy the plot of land they’ve lived on for the past 24 years, nor to enter the private rental market.
“I wouldn’t be living here if I had this sort of money,” Mrs Bolton said.
“We haven’t got any place to go.”
Holiday Lifestyle Developments wrote to permanent residents in November last year and offered them the chance to relocate to a caravan park in Portland at the new owner’s expense.
Director Lauren Clarke said the eviction notice was issued because Mrs Bolton was the only resident with her own cabin who had not indicated her intentions.
Ms Clarke said despite receiving advice from Consumer Affairs that a six-month notice to vacate was sufficient, they have given the Boltons 12 months notice in good faith.
She said for the past six months, a range of support and housing services had been attending the caravan park each week to offer residents assistance.
Another resident, who does not wish to be named, said he was in the same situation as the Boltons, but that Holiday Lifestyle Developments weren’t aware he owned his own cabin.
