Sunshine Coast residents uneasy as vacant homes slated for demolition face vandalism
Homeowners in a coastal suburb are anxious after a series of break-ins and damage at empty houses that are due to be torn down for a new transport project.
In Mountain Creek, a waterfront community on the Sunshine Coast, dozens of vacant homes earmarked for demolition to support a major transport network have become targets of vandalism and illegal entry. The Queensland government acquired most of the houses a decade ago and has now ordered all occupants to vacate by August 31, leaving a few tenants uneasy as they hear noises and see groups of youths near the empty streets.
Police responded to incidents on Ewinga Court on two separate days, but investigations have yet to identify the perpetrators. In response, the Department of Transport is financing night-time security patrols and police visibility, with a spokesperson promising ongoing reviews of safety measures. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg acknowledged residents' concerns and warned that unlawful behavior will not be tolerated, while Sunshine Coast police inspector Scott Wiggins urged vigilance and reporting. The demolition timeline remains unclear as negotiations continue over the last three privately owned homes.
Why it matters
Local safety concerns rise as a major Olympic-related infrastructure project forces residents out of their homes.
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