New Resident Information Service Launched

Residents of retirement villages and manufactured home parks now have access to a new service to help them understand their rights.

In a Queensland first, the Park and Village Information Link program will provide free legal advice on rights and responsibilities under the Retirement Villages Act 1999 and the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said the new service delivered on the Government’s election promise to revitalise frontline services.

“Recent reviews of both Acts had made it clear that laws around retirement and manufactured home living can be complex and difficult to understand,” Mr Mander said.

“There are already more than 40,000 people living in retirement village units and around 21,000 people living in manufactured homes across Queensland.

“Given many residents are retired and may not be in a strong financial position – the last thing they need is to be involved in expensive, protracted disputes.”

Mr Mander said the service was being provided by Caxton Legal Centre.

“Caxton Legal Centre is well placed to deliver this service – they are a Queensland-based not-for-profit which specialises in legal matters relating to older people’s welfare,” he said.

Caxton Legal Centre’s Director, Scott McDougall, said the PAVIL program aims to address the large demand for advice and assistance from residents of parks and retirement villages throughout Queensland.

“Prevention is always better than cure, so the service is also available to people who are considering moving into a park or village,” he said.

“Access to the service is primarily by phone, and depending on their location, residents may be able to receive face to face assistance.”

Residents can contact Caxton Legal Centre on 3214 6333 or visit their website – www.caxton.org.au.for useful information and contacts.

[ENDS] 16 April 2014

Media contact: Marty Kennedy 0418 891 943