Posted: 2024-05-16 03:59:06

A regional Victorian council says it will approach the owners of a bush block with compassion, but maintains the property is not liveable and its residents will be evicted.

Single mother Beck Meyers and her friend Nathaniel Muller bought the block near Castlemaine together four years ago and started camping on it after renting became unaffordable.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council is evicting them from the property, which a housing and legal advocacy group believes could potentially constitute a breach of human rights.

The council says the property has "serious" constraints and is not suitable to live on. 

An inspection is planned for Friday to ensure Ms Meyers and Mr Muller are complying with council's instructions.

But with less than 24 hours to go until council workers arrive, Ms Meyers said her living situation remains uncertain.

"We would love for them to give us a more realistic time frame," she said. 

A person carrying her dog, standing outside a colourfully-decorated red yurt.

Beck Meyers and her dog Hazel outside the new yurt she had planned to move into.(ABC Central Victoria: Emma D'Agostino)

Council commits to listen to campers

Ms Meyers is investigating the possibility of moving elsewhere within the Castlemaine area, but is hoping council might show some leniency at Friday's meeting while she explores options for her and her two children.

"Somewhere bushy in someone's big backyard or property is ideal," she said.

"We are also open to a short-term rental, but I can't keep up with current rental prices, so it would have to be $190 max per week."

A woman and a dog standing outside a bell tent.

Beck Meyers is exploring her housing options.(ABC Central Victoria: Emma D'Agostino)

Mount Alexander Shire Council infrastructure and development director Michael Annear told ABC Statewide Drive that council had spoken with the property's owners several times over the years, including in March.

Mr Annear reiterated that the block was not suitable to live on in the form of camping because of constraints including bushfire risk, cultural sensitivities, environmental impact, and the strictures of a farming zone.

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