SEEKING salvation, Little Arrawarra Action Group members gathered outside Coffs Harbour City Council chambers before councillors met on Thursday 13 July.

Vowing they would not be silenced, the group’s members told of threats, bullying and intimidation and what they described as ‘modern slavery’ at Arrawarra Holiday Park.

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They gathered to show their support for Councillor Tony Judge’s question on notice regarding CoCH’s investigations into complaints about the conditions at the Arrawarra Holiday Park, 46 Arrawarra Beach Road.

The now-decrepit park is home to many transient berry pickers and a decade of neglect and constant use has left the place in a sorry state.

Frustrated residents have formed an action group to help contribute to a satisfactory solution to what can now best described as a ‘situation’.

The residents’ concerns relate to non-compliance and safety.

CoCH city planning & communities director Chris Chapman responded to Cr Judge’s question on notice, saying council staff had undertaken site inspections and met with the park management/owner/consultant to review alleged non-compliance and identify other issues.

Council staff have provided verbal, written and formal directions to the park owner identifying action to be taken to halt certain activities, remove or demolish structures or undertake modification to the park’s operation to accord with the Environmental Planning Assessment Act and the Local Government regulations for parks.

Council also referenced agencies it has been working with on this case, including SafeWork and DPI.

Cr Tony Judge will continue to work with the community of Little Arrawarra to ensure their concerns are heard.
Cr Judge told NOTA, “this is affecting a lot of people in the little Arrawarra community.

“The depth of concern was apparent from the number of people who gathered outside the council chambers and later attended the meeting.

“It was extraordinary that such a small community had such a large group at the meeting,” he said.

“I know that council has listened and taken the community’s concerns seriously, and I thank council staff for their prompt response to my question on notice.

“I will continue to consult with the community and other councillors over the next few weeks.”

An action group spokesperson thanked council for investigating.

“The community of Little Arrawarra wishes to thank the City of Coffs Harbour council for their thorough investigations relating to the Arrawarra Holiday Park and hope that a resolution that allows a rate-paying community to finally be able to live in peace is on the horizon.”

One angry resident outside the council chambers said the community was sick of conditions at the park.

“We’ve had enough of being threatened, bullied and intimidated and will not be silenced when it comes to modern slavery and the detrimental effects the Arrawarra Holiday Park has on the tiny community,” the spokesperson said.

The Action Group says the neighbourhood is an unsafe place to live and urged council, “do not let this situation drag on any longer for everyone’s sake”.

By Andrea FERRARI