Geraldton cops to police with ‘compassion’ when it comes to moving on rough sleepers from Batavia Motor Inne

Police would take a “compassionate approach” to vacating the Batavia Motor Inne of rough sleepers if the City of Greater Geraldton is successful in its push to demolish the site. Once popular with tourists, the ex-holiday accommodation spot has been the target of vandalism, arson attempts, and anti-social behaviour for about 12 years. Some of Geraldton’s homeless population also shelter there, trying to protect themselves from the some 30 to 50 people who use the site as a place to party and engage in dangerous activities. Mayor Shane Van Styn said talks between the City and the new property owners 54 Fitzgerald Pty Ltd — which include ex-City of Perth Mayor Lisa Scaffidi’s husband Joe — had ceased several months ago and legal action was now being considered. If this was successful and the site was to be demolished, Geraldton police station officer in charge Sen Sgt Chris Martin said police would have the difficult task of asking the rough sleepers to leave the only home they know. “Our role will be to respond to any complaints by the owners in regards to people trespassing on the site. In some cases we might have to ask people to move on from the site through use of a police order,” he said. “We would be applying a compassionate approach to that in terms of asking people to move on given the frail nature of some of the people living there. “We wouldn’t be charging people or issuing move on orders on the first attendance.” Sen Sgt Martin said housing those sheltering at the site was a top priority for police. “We are working very closely with the owners, we’re working very closely with government and non-government agencies and it is our intention to try and rehome as many people as we can with the view to eventually having the site secured,” he said. Mr Van Styn (who is also lives next door to the Batavia Motor Inne) said city staff were now considering issuing developers with demolition or building-non compliance orders. “At the moment these are all options that have been considered by staff but nothing has been presented to council yet. Obviously once it comes to council I can no longer take part in the deliberations (due to a conflict of interest),” he said. The City could demolish the site itself, but Mr Van Styn said this could cost ratepayers up to $1 million in demolition and legal fees. A Meekatharra woman was arrested last week after she allegedly stabbed her partner up to five times outside the site, with Mr Van Styn saying anti-social behaviour was the “worst it has ever been”. It is understood the developers want the State Government’s involvement in relocating those staying at the site, but Mr Van Styn said this was ultimately the responsibility of the property owners. “(Evacuating the property) is going to require a coordinated approach with the State Government, police and the owners,” he said. “Instead (the owners) are hiding in their offices in Perth and blaming other people for not taking care of this. “It is disappointing and unfortunately it feels like a bit of a merry-go-round and a case of history repeating itself.” The City launched two legal bids against the previous owners of the site, the now defunct Singaporean investment syndicate Batavia Village Pty Ltd, for failing to secure or demolish the building and for payment of outstanding rates. The company subsequently went into liquidation and Mr Scaffidi and his co-developers snapped up the site for $572,000 in September. It is understood the council is in continuing internal discussions as to how to address the issue.