The 20 permanent residents at Riverlands Tourist Park feel they have had the twilight of their lives uprooted in the last six months.
Having moved to the park in recent years, more than 30 years ago for 80-year-old Jack Millsteed, they were confident that had a home for life.
Even last year when the developer who bought the park in 2015, Pentola Partners of Sydney, announced a perhaps inevitable building program they were told they would have space to remain in the peaceful riverland setting, which is speckled with native trees and grazing kangaroos.
But the developer says objections related to “traffic access” stymied the plan, and thus the application to Moira Shire Council was left to lapse.
More land was acquired and now a new development application has been submitted, doubling the size and addressing the traffic issues – but leaving no space for this community of mostly elderly retirees.
“My blood pressure is up considerably,” admits Bill Campbell, 71, who lives with wife Faye, 70, and their two dogs in their cottage-like cabin, with accompanying garden.
“We were told we would be safe here.”
In the wake of the first development plan, and the promise to stay, Ken and Rose Trezise, both in their mid-70s, spent $30,000 on renovations, including new steps to the porch, some garden work and indoors.
“We spent the money, we’re a bit peeved,” said Ken.
“We were told we had a home for life - now we’re between a rock and a hard place.”
Jeff Frazer, 71, says he is worried he might end up homeless.
“I can’t afford to do a big move,” he said.
Yarrawonga and Wilby local Bob Spring, 79, and his wife Laurelle, 77, say there are few options if they must move.
“Parks are prime land. This is happening up and down the east coast,” he said.
“You can’t get into caravan parks across the east coast for permanent living.”
Residents have paid from $75,000 to $160,000 for cabins, some via private sale and others purchased off the park owner – but their leases will run out in August 2026.
They are holding out hope an enclave can be established within the new plan.
A letter sent to residents from Moira Shire Council has offered hope.
“In some cases, your comments may be able to be addressed by the applicant and the plans revised,” adding that council might facilitate a meeting with the two parties.
Pentola Partners co-owner Dominic Bressan admits the company has been attempting to aid residents with relocation, as is required under Victorian law, and has helped one couple move, but needs to do more.
“We probably should have communicated again more clearly - we’re committed to helping them find homes,” he said.
“We will look at ways we can streamline the whole process.”
Mr Bressan said creating an enclave within the development “doesn’t really work”.
“It doesn’t really work within the existing plan. I don’t think it would be a great result for them, either. A better result is to find a park they are happy with and comfortable with.”
He said he believed park positions could be found, saying that they had been “fantastic residents” who would receive “glowing references”.
“We have already called around to several parks in the area. The general response with parks with permanents, is they are happy to connect,” he said.