Pensioner won't give up van life

Keith List is not happy about being asked to leave Finemore Caravan Park because council says he’s not a permanent resident. Photo: DARRYN SMITH cou0802f

KEITH List is still determined to live in his caravan, despite a two-month long battle with Bundaberg Regional Council to stay in the Finemore Holiday Park as a permanent resident.

“More or less I have to go by March 7,” Mr List said.

The pensioner has been told by the council they will help him move once the deadline has passed.

“They are prepared to shift me and then, when a permanent site becomes available, shift me back,” Mr List said.

He said he was still confused by the arrangement, as he believed the site would remain empty without anyone paying rent.

“I even offered that I will go back to paying the visitors’ rent rate,” he said.

Mr List, who has a heart condition that requires him to stay close to the hospital, said he still could not believe council was asking him to leave because there were no permanent sites available.

“It is for no reason. It would be different if I wasn’t paying my rent or having large parties. It’s crazy stuff,” he said.

Mr List had been living in the park for about 18 months before he was informed he was not a permanent resident.

Bundaberg Regional Council chief executive officer Peter Byrne said Mr List had been granted some leeway.

“Our staff had never guaranteed him a permanent site, but had displayed some compassion while Mr List was ill,” he said.

Mr Byrne said they were unable to increase the number of permanent sites at the caravan park.

“All we are saying is if he has a site in one of the Bundaberg region caravan parks we will help him move,” Mr Byrne said.

Mr Byrne said there were currently no permanent sites available.

“It also does not look like one will become available in the near future,” he said.

Mr Byrne estimated the move would take council workers about an hour.

Council would also help Mr List move back.

As well as offering to help Mr List move, Mr Byrne said the council had taken him to their units on Dr Mays Road.

Mr List turned the offer down.

“In my discussions with him, Mr List did not indicate that he had been looking for alternative accommodation,” Mr Byrne said.

Finemore Caravan Park currently has 24 permanent sites.