Darkan pensioner Danny Reinhold allowed to keep living in his bus after WA minister intervenes
A West Australian pensioner being sued by a regional council for living in his bus on a friend's block has been offered a short reprieve after the local government minister intervened days before a hearing.
Daniel Reinhold spoke to the ABC in May after the Shire of West Arthur commenced legal action, alleging he had camped illegally on the property in Darkan, 210km south-east of Perth, for nearly a year.
Mr Reinhold — who works part time due to health reasons — said he could not afford to rent or buy a house and saw staying in his bus, parked on his friend's property with permission, as the ideal solution.
Mr Reinhold said the stress of the situation had weighed on him heavily.
"It's been hell," he said.
"I've been so sick with concern and worry … one night I was so worked up I thought I was going to have another heart attack.
"Just not knowing, being in limbo, going through this, and not being able to understand the reason why."
Days before his battle with the shire entered court, he received a call from Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley's office, granting him a permit to "camp" in his bus on the block.
"To get that phone call and letter afterwards, it was like a great weight lifted off me," Mr Reinhold said.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley says she acted with compassion when granting Mr Reinhold's permit. (ABC News: Hugh Sando)
'I have acted with compassion'
Under WA regulations, both local government and the local government minister can grant permits for people to camp, or live in a caravan or bus, on private property for extended periods.
Documents seen by the ABC show the Shire of West Arthur knocked back Mr Reinhold's application to live in his bus at the property before commencing legal action.
The letter from Ms Beazley outlined five conditions, including that the bus must remain at the site, the property must be kept tidy, and consent of land owner remains attached to permit, and said she had asked the shire to work productively with Mr Reinhold.
Loading...Ms Beazley told the ABC she will carefully consider each application.
"I have acted with compassion to Mr Reinhold, and I think the public would expect the Shire of West Arthur to do the same," she said.
"I have asked the Shire of West Arthur to work with Mr Reinhold to ensure his arrangement continues to meet important health and safety requirements."
The ABC asked the Shire of West Arthur whether it would continue to pursue legal action against Mr Reinhold and was provided with a brief response.
Chief executive Vin Fordham Lamont confirmed legal proceedings were adjourned until November and that: "The shire looks forward to the Department of Communities sourcing appropriate accommodation for Mr Reinhold before then."
Danny Reinhold says he cannot afford to rent in the current market. (ABC Great Southern: Samantha Goerling)
'Fair go mate'
At the Narrogin Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the Shire of West Arthur's criminal case against Mr Reinhold was adjourned until November.
Mr Reinhold said he was concerned the legal proceedings would impact his work as an air-conditioning mechanic.
"If I had a criminal record, I would lose that licence, they would not renew my licence," he said.
"Why would they do this to myself or anyone else?
"Fair go mate, that's just how we grew up, that's not how it is anymore."