Many individuals have been drawn to finding solace in a tranquil caravan park, where they can embrace their golden years, explore different parts of Australia, forge new connections, and relish a more budget-friendly and uncomplicated lifestyle.

Over the past few years, many are considering moving to a caravan park as their chosen place of residence during retirement.

However, little did they know that a quiet retirement spot could become a battleground that could ruin residents' peace, finances and mental health.

Richard Squire warns that if retirees fail to win their legal appeal, they could be displaced from their homes. Source: Caravan Camping NSW

A multi-million-dollar legal dispute over Coolah Caravan Park in NSW has escalated, pitting a group of retirees against the park's operators.

With both sides now suffering from the stress of a seemingly never-ending legal battle, we wonder if it's just the tip of the iceberg for retirement dreams.

Richard Squire, a 79-year-old retiree who resides at Coolah Caravan Park, had once enjoyed a simple life of relaxation and friendship with his neighbours.

However, things took an unexpected turn when disputes with the park's management began in 2016, leading to a costly legal battle in 2018.

The class action lawsuit led by Mr Squire and his fellow residents has accused the park’s directors of making 'misleading and deceptive' statements about certain land rights that would be granted if they bought shares in the park.

The Supreme Court rejected this legal battle’s charges, with the group now hoping to appeal the decision.

Astoundingly, the legal costs incurred by both parties have exceeded the value of the land in question by a significant margin, with both sides claiming to have spent well over a million dollars so far.

The original concept for Coolah Caravan Park, dubbed 'Janet's Dream', was envisioned as an idyllic refuge that retirees could call home while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Australia's vast landscapes.

However, as a spokesperson for the park noted, this dream has turned into a 'nightmare’.

Sadly, this nightmare seems far from over. Coolah Caravan Park's director, Janet Kelly, has revealed plans to take counter-legal action against some of the park's residents who have withheld site fee payments during the ongoing legal skirmish.

This undoubtedly adds fuel to the proverbial fire, making a resolution to this messy affair harder to envision.

David Darch, Richard Squire, and Marnie Robertson are involved in the class action lawsuit against Coolah Tourist Park. Source: Coolah Caravan Park

David Darch, one of the residents who stopped paying site fees during the legal tussle, revealed that the park's management had initially raised prices from $65 to $185 per week—a move eventually overturned by the Supreme Court, with fees now set at $125.

In the meantime, the park's spokesperson has claimed that permanent residents are currently being charged $81.89 per week. Yet, this ongoing dispute has left many residents feeling trapped and disillusioned, forced to live in uncertainty amidst the legal chaos.

Another Coolah Caravan Park resident Marnie Robertson shared her failing hope: 'I can't afford to buy anywhere else. I just don't have the money to do that, so there's no option.'

Shane McGrath, a Senior Retirement Housing Worker at the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), stressed the need for stronger protections for retirees, including 'fairer' fees and employing an ombudsman to handle such disputes.

HAAG is an advocacy organisation focused on providing housing assistance and support to older Australians, aiming to improve the standards and policies of retirement housing.

Key Takeaways

• A group of retirees are locked in a multi-million-dollar legal battle against Coolah Caravan Park, losing a Supreme Court challenge and now attempting to launch an appeal.
• The caravan park is launching a counter-action over unpaid site fees against six of the residents.
• The costly legal battle has dramatically impacted the affected residents' finances, mental health, and retirement plans.
• Housing for the Aged Action Group calls for stronger protections for retired residents, including more regulations for fairer fees and an ombudsman to handle disputes.

In conclusion, we urge all members to proceed cautiously if considering moving to a caravan park.

Remember the importance of understanding your rights, obligations, and potential options should issues arise. Doing thorough research, asking pertinent questions, and even consulting with a lawyer or financial advisor before committing to such investments is essential.

As for the ongoing legal saga that engulfs Coolah Caravan Park and its residents, we can only hope for a swift and fair resolution, allowing all involved the chance to enjoy their retirement peacefully once again.

What are your thoughts on this legal battle and its potential impact on retirement communities and residents in similar situations?

 

[Januvia1952]

Many individuals have been drawn to finding solace in a tranquil caravan park, where they can embrace their golden years, explore different parts of Australia, forge new connections, and relish a more budget-friendly and uncomplicated lifestyle.

Over the past few years, many are considering moving to a caravan park as their chosen place of residence during retirement.

However, little did they know that a quiet retirement spot could become a battleground that could ruin residents' peace, finances and mental health.

View attachment 23603

Richard Squire warns that if retirees fail to win their legal appeal, they could be displaced from their homes. Source: Caravan Camping NSW

A multi-million-dollar legal dispute over Coolah Caravan Park in NSW has escalated, pitting a group of retirees against the park's operators.

With both sides now suffering from the stress of a seemingly never-ending legal battle, we wonder if it's just the tip of the iceberg for retirement dreams.

Richard Squire, a 79-year-old retiree who resides at Coolah Caravan Park, had once enjoyed a simple life of relaxation and friendship with his neighbours.

However, things took an unexpected turn when disputes with the park's management began in 2016, leading to a costly legal battle in 2018.

The class action lawsuit led by Mr Squire and his fellow residents has accused the park’s directors of making 'misleading and deceptive' statements about certain land rights that would be granted if they bought shares in the park.

The Supreme Court rejected this legal battle’s charges, with the group now hoping to appeal the decision.

Astoundingly, the legal costs incurred by both parties have exceeded the value of the land in question by a significant margin, with both sides claiming to have spent well over a million dollars so far.

The original concept for Coolah Caravan Park, dubbed 'Janet's Dream', was envisioned as an idyllic refuge that retirees could call home while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Australia's vast landscapes.

However, as a spokesperson for the park noted, this dream has turned into a 'nightmare’.

Sadly, this nightmare seems far from over. Coolah Caravan Park's director, Janet Kelly, has revealed plans to take counter-legal action against some of the park's residents who have withheld site fee payments during the ongoing legal skirmish.

This undoubtedly adds fuel to the proverbial fire, making a resolution to this messy affair harder to envision.

View attachment 23604

David Darch, Richard Squire, and Marnie Robertson are involved in the class action lawsuit against Coolah Tourist Park. Source: Coolah Caravan Park

David Darch, one of the residents who stopped paying site fees during the legal tussle, revealed that the park's management had initially raised prices from $65 to $185 per week—a move eventually overturned by the Supreme Court, with fees now set at $125.

In the meantime, the park's spokesperson has claimed that permanent residents are currently being charged $81.89 per week. Yet, this ongoing dispute has left many residents feeling trapped and disillusioned, forced to live in uncertainty amidst the legal chaos.

Another Coolah Caravan Park resident Marnie Robertson shared her failing hope: 'I can't afford to buy anywhere else. I just don't have the money to do that, so there's no option.'

Shane McGrath, a Senior Retirement Housing Worker at the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG), stressed the need for stronger protections for retirees, including 'fairer' fees and employing an ombudsman to handle such disputes.

HAAG is an advocacy organisation focused on providing housing assistance and support to older Australians, aiming to improve the standards and policies of retirement housing.

Key Takeaways

• A group of retirees are locked in a multi-million-dollar legal battle against Coolah Caravan Park, losing a Supreme Court challenge and now attempting to launch an appeal.
• The caravan park is launching a counter-action over unpaid site fees against six of the residents.
• The costly legal battle has dramatically impacted the affected residents' finances, mental health, and retirement plans.
• Housing for the Aged Action Group calls for stronger protections for retired residents, including more regulations for fairer fees and an ombudsman to handle disputes.

In conclusion, we urge all members to proceed cautiously if considering moving to a caravan park.

Remember the importance of understanding your rights, obligations, and potential options should issues arise. Doing thorough research, asking pertinent questions, and even consulting with a lawyer or financial advisor before committing to such investments is essential.

As for the ongoing legal saga that engulfs Coolah Caravan Park and its residents, we can only hope for a swift and fair resolution, allowing all involved the chance to enjoy their retirement peacefully once again.

What are your thoughts on this legal battle and its potential impact on retirement communities and residents in similar situations?

The headline is misleading. Its about one park Not caravan parks in general.

 

[Penny4]

Often caravan parks are in prime positions, so they get sold to developers, and permanents residents have to move out. This can happen too unfortunately.

 

[Gsr]

Caravan and cabin parks used to be affordable places for retirees and low income earners to live, but now some owners have raised the fees so much that the cost is becoming a financial nightmare for people who aren’t in a position to move elsewhere. Since the rental crisis hit the nightly cost for cabins and caravans in the area I live has gone through the roof, often being more expensive than a hotel or motel room. Workers have to pay these fees as often it is the only accommodation they can find. My nephew had to stay in a cabin as he couldn’t find a rental, his weekly charge just for himself was $350. On top of that he had all the normal expenses of food, fuel to get to work, money for his partner and 2 kids who had to move 4 hours away from him and stay with his parents as the cabin wasn’t suitable for a family. He did this for eighteen months while he finished his air conditioning apprenticeship. The family are now together again and are buying a cheap older home near his parents who were able to help them with a deposit. Their mortgage repayments were a lot less than the rent for the cabin, but interest rate rises mean they are fast catching up.

 

[Cheezil]

Didn't know it was still possible to live in a caravan park, it should be & at a reasonable NON holiday rate like it used to be!

 

[mylittletibbies]

The headline is misleading. Its about one park Not caravan parks in general.

Obviously though it will likely happen in other parks also should the park owners win their case.
Caravan parks are a ridiculous price My son and family are living in their own caravan while looking to purchase a new property after moving to NSW. One caravan park wanted $475 a week, you can rent a house for that. All they are providing is a small piece of land, some don't even have a slab for your annex.