A simple residential expansion at Connor Crescent in Caboolture has become a prolonged nightmare for locals, particularly for Quinton Reeves and his family.
The alarming incident, amidst an ongoing residential development that has been disrupting local life since 2020, underscores the escalating tensions between residents, the local council, and developers over safety and environmental concerns.
For over four years, the Reeves family has been engulfed in a maelstrom of construction-related chaos, culminating in a harrowing incident on 16th March 2024, when metal shards, propelled at high velocity, invaded their front yard, narrowly missing causing severe injury.
In a moment of alarming negligence, contractors lost control of a pressure hose, causing it to eject metal shrapnel into the Reeves’ property at dangerous speeds. This incident, captured in vivid detail through footage and photos, underscores the family’s peril.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported, but the event has significantly escalated the family’s concerns and their disputes with the Morton Bay Regional Council and the developers responsible for the housing project.
“I have recovered at least five [debris] that are approximately 5 cm in length. I did witness the plumber at the time; he was trying to cover up the incident, so he went around picking it up,” he told Peter Gleeson of 4BC Drive.
“I saw him pick up at least four pieces up his end of the area. And here’s the thing, mate: they didn’t notify workplace health and safety. They tried to cover it up, and there’s been no consequences for it.”
A Community’s Cry for Change
With the challenges of living on disability, Mr Reeves has become an outspoken advocate for public safety and legislative reform. His ordeal since the inception of the adjacent construction project has been marked by blocked driveways, unmonitored heavy machinery perilously close to residential areas, and a general disregard for the community’s well-being.
The incident has only fueled his determination to seek justice and drive changes to prevent similar occurrences.
The response has been tepid despite Mr Reeves’ concerted efforts to engage with local government bodies, the Ombudsman, and the Human Rights Commission over the past three years. In a statement, the Morton Bay Regional Council pointed to the discretionary nature of enforcement action under the Environmental Protection Act (EP Act), revealing a reluctance to intervene decisively.
In the wake of this alarming incident, the call for legislative reform and enhanced accountability from both council and developers has never been louder.
Published 1-April-2024
