Caravan park residents face eviction

When you've got nowhere to go, a suburban caravan park can be a refuge.

But what do you do when your last resort closes down?

There's more than 30 residents who've all made a home and found mateship at the Five Ways Caravan Park in Melbourne's south east.

They moved in because this was all they could afford, they weren't burdening the public housing system and were managing to live independently within their means.

Now they've got until August 25 when the park needs to be cleared for re-development.

Watch the full story in the video player above.

Statement from Victoria's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

We know this is an uncertain time for residents of Five Ways Caravan Park, and we are working closely with the City of Kingston, Launch Housing, Council on the Ageing and Wintringham to make sure every resident gets the support they need.

People who are impacted can access practical help including information on housing options, removalist funding, and assistance applying for the Victorian Housing Register.

We'd encourage any resident who hasn't yet connected with support services to reach out to Launch Housing's Cheltenham Entry Point, where staff are ready to help.

Statement from Kingston City Council

Council shares community concern that some caravan park residents are facing challenge and uncertainty since the announced changes at the privately owned and operated site.

Kingston has been supporting residents to access State Government and/or community-run housing, legal and support services.

We are not a specialised housing service and can't directly place people into housing.

While some residents have successfully found alternative housing, we will continue to offer support for others through this transition.

A planning application to redevelop the site has been lodged by the owner and is currently being assessed by Council officers.

It includes a residential village with 56 moveable dwellings plus a two-storey communal amenities building with 5 apartments.