Coogee Caravan Park lease update

The City of Cockburn's response to PerthNow Cockburn on 28 January 2022, about an update regarding the Coogee Caravan Park lease

Question: Has the City received a sign-off from the Lands Minister?
Answer: The City has only recently received the consent of the Minister, under Section 18 of the Land Administration Act 1997.

Question: If so, when did the City finalise lease documents?
Answer: Lease documents are currently being finalised for execution on the basis of the condition of the Minister’s consent. It is anticipated that they will be signed off by both parties in the next few weeks.

Question: Will these changes to residential park laws impact the new lease at all?
Answer: The lease documents acknowledge the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Amending Act 2020 and the need for Discovery Holiday Parks to comply with that legislation. Noting that the new legislation is scheduled to come into force on 31 January 2022.

Question: What are the City’s thoughts on the changes overall and how will it benefit the City in the long run?
Answer: The Act and associated Regulations incorporate changes designed to provide security and protection for park tenants, in particular long-stay tenants, and guidance and support for park operators. The City considers that this is a step in the right direction to create an equitable relationship between operators and tenants.

Question: Anything else you’d like to add?
Answer: While the City of Cockburn is the Lessor of Coogee Beach Caravan Park site, the redevelopment and subsequent operation of the park, including any sub-leases to tenants, is the sole responsibility of Discovery Holiday Parks. The City has done everything it can to ensure that the agreement does not unfairly disadvantage any party, including the sub-lessees. The City will continue to work with Discovery Holiday Parks to ensure that the redevelopment and operation of the park addresses the needs of all parties and that residents are updated as the redevelopment occurs.