Johns Landing sale confirmed

Council has signed a contract for the purchase of Johns Landing, paving the way for the 49-hectare property to transfer to Council at the end of October, thereby preserving the property’s significant environmental values for future generations.

Community Services Director Alan ‘Fox’ Rogers said since Council began negotiations to purchase the property many long-term residents of the Johns Landing campsite have found alternative housing.

“We have been working with government agencies and service organisations for a number of months to connect residents with housing and other support services,” he said.

The Salvation Army’s Accommodation and Housing Services Regional Manager, Sally-Anne Clark, said helping families with children to find permanent accommodation was their priority. 

“When we started there were about 29 children and their families living at Johns Landing. By the end of this week, we expect to confirm accommodation for at least 21 of those children and their families,” she said.

“It has been a collaborative effort by a number of community and government groups to support people to find somewhere to go and we feel very positive about the outcomes so far. As people move on, we and the other service providers will continue to support these families as they settle into their new homes.

“One resident was so pleased to be moving into a house after several years living in a tent she couldn’t wait to show people her new house keys.”

The Reverend Ian Dredge from the local Anglican church who along with members of his congregation has been visiting Johns Landing for a number of years said: “Finding accommodation for over 70 people is a big job and for the individuals concerned it can be difficult, particularly for those who have decided to leave the area to accept government housing.  But generally most of the residents are prepared to move on and have welcomed our support in helping them start a new chapter in their lives.”

The campground has not been accepting new bookings since July 1.

“Our priority over the next few months will be to help the remaining long term residents find accommodation and help them to connect into their new communities,” Mr Rogers said.

Agencies working with Council to support the residents include: The Anglican Church of Noosa, Coast2Bay Housing Group, the Salvation Army Accommodation and Housing Services, St Vincent de Paul, United Synergies, Centrelink, the Department of Housing, and the Department of Communities.

21 July 2017