State calls on Port Hinchinbrook owners to unite

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney today called on Port Hinchinbrook owners to put the bitter divisions of the past behind them and work together on problems that have beset their private development.

Port Hinchinbrook owners yesterday voted against Port Hinchinbrook Services (PHS) Limited continuing, meaning the company that provides body-corporate-like services to owners will now be liquidated.

“Port Hinchinbrook is a financially-troubled private development and as such the government will not use taxpayer dollars to bail out a private operation,” Mr Seeney said.

“However, the Queensland Government will continue to try to help owners help themselves.

“It is now more critical than ever that owners from both sides of the argument come together to form a representative body that can work with government.

“Both sides have called for a body corporate to be established to ensure all owners contribute equitably to the private development’s operations.

“The Queensland Government will examine options to allow this to occur, but Port Hinchinbrook owners will need to form a representative body we can work with.”

Member for Hinchinbrook Andrew Cripps today expressed his disappointment that Port Hinchinbrook owners were unable to reach agreement to provide a more certain future for this troubled development.

"I’ve declined to contribute to the running commentary on this issue in the lead up to yesterday’s vote because I didn’t want to influence what is ultimately a decision for property owners," Mr Cripps said.

“However, I’ve been concerned by the disunity that has been evident amongst a number of Port Hinchinbrook owners for some time, not just in the lead up to yesterday’s vote.  

“I want Port Hinchinbrook to succeed and I am genuinely concerned about its future following yesterday’s vote. 

‘Now that PHS Limited will not continue as an entity, I urge owners to put their differences aside and work together for their own benefit.

‘This is especially critical for the continued operation of private assets such as the development’s sewerage plant.

“The Queensland Government will do what it can to help owners help themselves, but the ball is in their court.”

[ENDS] 9 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744