Action group formed at Hydeaway Bay

In the wake of March’s devastating landslides, an action group has now formed at Hydeaway Bay.

 Spokesperson for the group Dan Glascow, said many of the residents felt abandoned by both local and state governments.

 “Everybody who bought here had a right to expect they would be safe.

 “The event was of such gravity they (council) called in a geotechnical engineer and declared it a natural disaster area. They recognised the seriousness and threat to life and property but then they left and now they’re not responding to what we say,” Mr Glascow said.

 Mr Glasgow said residents wanted risk assessments of every property.

 “We need a consultant who’s going to look at what’s safe and what isn’t. If these things can’t be managed in some way then this place is uninhabitable,” he said.

 Mayor Mike Brunker said council could not go onto private property and protect the residents from future slides.

 “We can’t reassure them it won’t happen again. I suggest they get some advice from a geotechnical engineer,” Cr Brunker said.

 Action group members met yesterday with LNP candidate for the seat of Whitsunday Jason Costigan to discuss their options.

 “I have heard the concerns of residents firsthand and while I have no magic wand I will be doing my best to achieve some positive outcomes for them,” Mr Costigan said.

 Mr Glascow said this was just the start.

 “We expect a long haul,” he said.