Saving Australia's Largest Informal Shack Community - Saving Wedge Island, Documentary

[@mickzammit6794]

All up the queensland coast people developed small communities only for the wealthy to covet their peace. Eventually the houses were demolished and the roads improved. Then the wealthy came and built monstosities and the beaches became suburbia with all the accumulated problems. Litter,noise,and a loss of peace.

[@kulfonbustardo1588]

Airlie before the islands bloody croc city

[@jpw5029]

I reckon few of these folks are rich, this isn’t their houses for most of them, it’s their holiday homes. However I do agree it should be protected.

[@mickzammit6794]

@@jpw5029 most of the people I met at several of the places in the north were retirees who had the beach shacks for many years. They loved the area and their peace and were self appointed caretakers. When the rich claimed those areas the entire place suffered. The environment was first to suffer.

[@jpw5029]

@@mickzammit6794 kinda proves my point, old folks holiday homes. I’m not hating, you work hard, made the best of cheap property prices, good on you. But let’s not act like its possible for environmental hippy warriors to build humble communities in aus.

[@mickzammit6794]

@@jpw5029 they weren't holiday homes. They were permanent residences on untitled land. All of the people living there were old and past their working lives. I agree you have very little hope of that lifestyle these days. And if you did the wealthy would find a way of taking it for themselves.

[@laurieboyle3338]

My father in law and i built one of the shacks up there in 1970 we had some very special times up there. What a special place. The track in from Lancelin took us longer to travel in than getting from Perth to Lancelin but well worth it. A few years later some health issues saw us not getting there so much but gave the keys to some friends to stay as we did. They got up there to find someone had taken it over. A massive loss to us. He was an angry man and we just backed off but very dissapointed. We were members of the newly formed progress association but just didnt want to cause any trouble. Calm had already back then been trying to find reasons to evict us with demolition notices on our doors due to suposed health department reasons. I am happy that it is still there. We visit occasionally .we had our beach buggy in the garage a generator a well dug at the back. Lucky my boat was at home at that time. Keep up the fight.

[@lee.j]

Amazing story! Sad to hear you lost your shack.

[@56music64]

As someone who lives on an island of 400 residents, you find communities like ours often attract people who are running away from something, or want to hide from something or don't fit in anywhere else and some of them are cranky at the world, so best to give them a wide berth. So I understand your situation with the take over of your cabin. Back 50 to 100 years ago, you could basically do what you wanted regarding putting up a holiday or fishing shack around many parts of Australia, but of course now the fun police are around and there are rules for this and rules for that. If there is a way that the authorities can make a buck, re approvals for this and that, it always comes down to money or newbies who want to come in to change or run the place. Sad......

[@DavidMynott-gu9ep]

Bloody beaurocrasy... Government causes the problems... like conditional purchase on farmland back last century Also The whole land stolen by Government

[@Atlas99973]

Yes very much not the West Aussie Way 😢. Thank you for still supporting wedge.

[@deborahduthie4519]

You’d be a different person if you tried harder to get your shack back. That would be a loss.

[@choopa1670]

This story resonates with me as my uncle owned a shack on the beach at Stockton beach NSW. It’s such a great life to live in and be amongst with the community of other shack owners especially as a kid growing up going to these beautiful places and it felt like living in abit of Australian history when I used to go there on school holidays. Love it and it is definitely worth fighting for to preserve. I hope it turns out all good mate 👍🏽

[@lisadolan689]

We had one we used to stay in one on Stockton beach too. It was the late 80’s and we used to go stay for days. We used to have to go in with the 4wd and then we’d ride trikes. It was great fun 🤩

[@dattoDJ]

The huge irony to me is how sustainability is the name of the game and all the buzzwords of today. This is a self sufficient community that has no reliance on anything other than that they can collectively pull together to survive, and yet they are being taxed to extinction. This should be a showpiece and a role model for society if that is the true goal of the powers that be.

[@mwallace2922]

Its always about the tax/money. Always.

[@johnsamson9680]

@@mwallace2922Correct… unless we are talking about the super rich.

[@MrFab297]

Yeah they rely on nothing other than the 68 helicopter trips and Perth hospital. People need to pay their way in this world and not take advantage of everyday hardworking people in the cities.

[@tracymckinnon1550]

@@MrFab297 a bit jealous and sad in life i see little fella i hope you get some help and get better

[@MrFab297]

@@tracymckinnon1550 No champ, I live in the real world with real responsibilities

[@axle.australian.patriot]

I have seen this issue all over Australia including in our local area. Many were given perpetual leases, but they can't be sold, so eventually they run out as people die or move on. The local councils charge full price (rates) for services, yet none actually receive any of these services. And from time to time they issue a notice to leave, or just go in and bulldoze. Spent some of the best days of my childhood in beach shacks like these being a real life "Storm Boy" :)

[@lee.j]

Exactly right

[@axle.australian.patriot]

@@lee.j I just read down through some of the comments. A lot of mixed opinions about these shack settlements, but I have to ask. If those who have shacks there in the first place hadn't of made the roads in by hand, made some convenience for people to get to the beach and enjoy it, would people actually have ever made the effort to walk through to the beach? I grew up on weekends and holidays in a small remote beach community like this in FNQLD and I have to emphasize community. We started with making a small track through the trees (some 4 kms), made a very usable wood log boat ramp near the mouth of a creak. Cleared a tidy area for weekend campers to enjoy and some space for boaters to park up, plus the various small tracks to our huts at a few locations along the beach. Everyone had access to the boat ramp, and the 3 beach hut locations. Most visitors were friendly and appreciative and were always welcomed for a cuper or a cold one. My father and others had spent most of there life close by on a farms back after the WWII and always had a few shared fishing shacks out near the mouths of the local creaks. Back then they were often shared around between different fishermen. Basic rule was try to leave more than you took from the hut for the next person. They were generally well stocked and if you got caught out in a boat in bad weather you knew you could run to one of those creaks and have somewhere warm to hide it out and plenty of food for the night. When they brought in the perpetual leases the community spent a month or so upgrading the tracks to be more suitable for small cars etc. It became a very popular weekend day visit area and often with weekend tenters. Was the best for kids and families. The community looked after it, and kept it for everyone to enjoy out of there own pockets and efforts. It is still popular to this day. P.S. Not once has council attempted to grade the road or put a bit of fill over the soft spots on the road in. The fisheries patrol have made regular use of the boat ramp for easy access to reef and islands since day one. Yes having a beach hut is a bit "Special", but it is made special for everyone to enjoy in the process :) > Oh the hut "sharing" still continues to this day. Often families and friends of friends, work colleagues etc will borrow a hut from someone they know for the weekend. I never want to see this lifestyle end.

[@lee.j]

Mate your story is very closely aligned to Wedge, the original shacks were built by crayfisherman as the island offered protected moorings. Originally the only way in was by boat or a long difficult 4wd track. It wasnt until the road was put in place by the government making the area more accessible that it became popular. And very similar to your story, shack owners have been paying licenses since 1995 and not one part of infrastructure or road grading, not even a public toilet exists. It has been completely left to the community to keep the up the roads, and clean rubbish, maintain the grassed areas, and beach boat launching site the list goes on. Also shack sharing is a very common part of wedge. @@axle.australian.patriot

[@axle.australian.patriot]

@@lee.j Thanks for sharing. I noticed the similarities during the video. Lets hope the community continues into the future, Both here and in WA :) > We have 8 locations within about 90 kms of coast line. 3 are single to 2 shack. 2 are about about 5 and 10, and 3 at about 10 to 15. One site was forced into Freehold at full land cost, and one I am uncertain if they have been moved to freehold or not. Most are on perpetual lease agreements. One site with about 8-10 huts is a boat only trip.

[@axle.australian.patriot]

@@lee.j P.S. I just had a look at where my parents were, bout 30 huts left on Google maps. There's a few other outliers on a couple of other nearby creeks. -18.92367369657636, 146.3176419395185 Barilgie Beach, part of Halifax Bay. > -18.509444291211366, 146.2692120866528 Lower Herbert River clan. Commonly referred to as Seaforth > -18.51612255355159, 146.2355995519666 A single in Neams Inlet/ This actually accessed via the back of a farm property, now a Prawn farm. > There are others, but it'll give you an idea :)

[@Phnud]

We have a similar thing happening in our local community. It's not a shack settlement, but a lease on Crown Land. It offers very reasonable rates and a totally unique, no-frills holiday. If it goes, numerous community groups and holiday-makers will have nowhere to go because, well, let's face it, the rich now own the coast, and they'll rent it to you for an exorbitant fee.

[@simmy260881]

My family used to visit wedge island almost 30 years ago when I was about 11.. My uncle sold the shack and new owners offered us a key to still use the shack but uncle said no.. If only I was old enough to speak up.. The memories of my time there are imbedded in my soul.. The most beautiful place on earth.. I tell my own children about my time at Wedge.. What I wouldn’t give for them to experience it 😢❤

[@joedennehy386]

Well buy a place there

[@pantshead4293]

The governments across Australia don’t want people in the bush at all. They are constantly making it harder to access these areas. The people making the decisions are all city dwellers who just graduated from uni. The camp site in vic we have been using for over 40 years has just been made so you can’t drive in. Can only hike in, no more family camping there with small kids.

[@lee.j]

It's ridiculous. Just look what's going on in Tasmania, it's actually frightening.

[@unicornadrian1358]

Yep look at what is happening on the Qld gemfields.

[@steeleanderson1172]

It doesn't help the amount of rubbish dickheads leave on the beach and the bush.

[@User01AS]

It’s harder to sell the place off to mining, logging and overseas investors if we the people are busy using the place…..

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

Yes its true australia is thr most hostile to rural activity and public use of land i have ever seen! Its alarming. They dont allow camping hunting fishing ect to much of the country. The government holds most of the land and then monopolises its us end or foreign entities mostly. Tgere is whole swatges of empty land that people are completely prohibited from accessing.. The government right up until the 1960s removed actovely both aborigines and australians from land they occupied withplout legal documentation in ordered to monopolise the land. The whitsundays is a great example but there is 1000snds of examples. If you tell this ti europeans they are shocked how a state and a state with so much land could be so openly arrogant and hostile to its people and their basic interests its alarminh. Terrifying really if you look from a perspectic of a small european country l, if such control. Exsisted you could not move or walk freely anywhere .. Australians are passive or even supportive of this draconian situation as long as it doesn't effect them. It makes the country very unfun..

[@darrenmanser2847]

I grew up in a shack community in SA and this made me very emotional. Parks and wildlife won't be happy until they have locked up every wild space. You have a cultural icon there that must be preserved. The characters that make the community that you alone have created is equal or greater than all the grains of sand combined. If they don't value this you must. And defend it at all costs. This is a 'current affair' worthy story. And you are a great spokesman. Please don't let the Bastards win.

[@peretvonsturmer2579]

Lucky to have such an eloquent and considered voice for the community.

[@glennpitman6161]

keep fighting the fight. My family lost our shack after the defence force took over a section just south of wedge back in the 80’s. as a kid, some of my fondest memories is driving up that beach, sitting on the bonnet, behind the bullbar, of dads fj40 looking for a gutter to go fish. truely is gods country up there ❤

[@Nunyabiz71]

Hope this gets sorted but I have to say one thing. 10-20yrs ago owners of the shacks did not want anyone who didn't own a shack there and we were pretty well pushed out and not welcomed when we came through heading to Cervantes/Pinnacles etc. Now I see the comment regarding Air B&B type accommodation in the shacks. I feel this is because they are clutching straws and now want to offer this up to try save the area.

[@lee.j]

A very valid point mate, but i guess we can't let the past dictate our future. I'm sure a strong sense of localism would've been very prevelant with such a hidden gem that Wedge was, its seen almost everyhere in australia like it. Wether its fishermen or surfers protecting their spots, or oldies hiding away from the madness of suburbia. However, today the cats out of the bag. Wedge is a very well known and frequented spot by all kinds of west aussies. I think its a testimate to the wedge shack owners ability to change and accept this growth and to be actively seeking new ways to create a safer, more enjoyable place for everyone. I know from my perspective as being a complete outsider to wedge life, me and my crew were welcomed into the lives/homes of wedge shack owners with incredible warmth, they didnt know what side this film would take on their situation and could've easily shuntted us away. Sure, their will be the odd few who are stuck in their ways, but as a whole Wedge is one the most inviting, true blue aussie communitys left in this country that hasnt yet been dictated by the corruptions of our government.

[@tgrimshaw]

Learn to spell, mate.

[@dannysoria6143]

@@lee.j you were only welcomed cos they don’t want to loose there shacks I say they need to go let it open up to public and let people camp there the shack people try clam the area for themselves

[@iainhetherington4608]

I ask this question time and time again “ what happened to man’s right to shelter without rules” Councils have have overstepped their job description and need reminding whom they are paid by and work for I am sorry for you Best of luck sorting it Cheers from SA

[@grahamrothwell6691]

An Amazing place, found it by accident in 2015 and loved the idea and place. I wondered how long it would last before some bureaucracy stuffed it up for everyone? Good LUCK in your fight.

[@rodneycroft5889]

My Father and I built a shack at Cliffhead back in the 60’s and had so many great times there over the decades. Until the powers to be bulldozed ours and almost all of the others. They haven’t done anything there except deny us our enjoyment. Best of luck to you all at Wedge.

[@headswillroll89]

Sandon River in northern nsw has faced similar issues, along with the permanent park in brooms head nsw being forced into park upgrades for sewage, when many had recently upgraded their personal sewage. I know cheap lodging in the area if you'd like to try to replicate this here

[@glentomkins3426]

We're rapidly reaching the point in Australia where you can't go anywhere to have fun any more. Prospecting and fossicking have come under fire from government and big mining, you can't camp on crown land without paying extortionate fees, and you can't spend a few weeks in a beach shack fishing and swimming. Australians have done these things recreationally for generations, and we are no longer allowed to do them because of the interests of a few rich people who use a green agenda as an excuse. More power to Wedge for standing up to them!

[@aum82]

Australia’s have been free on this land for 10’s of thousands of years

[@glentomkins3426]

We have, and we need to fight to keep that freedom. It is very hard to get, and very easy to lose.@@aum82

[@jamesreid1847]

I visited there forty years ago and off and on after that.....envious of those that could escape to this little place and hide out if just for a short time...long may they hang on to what they have there.

[@FLEMO83]

Great documentary on wedge,Brad is a wedge legend and does so much for the community at wedge,Anne is the most loveliest lady I have ever meet and would do anything for you .

[@lee.j]

Thanks mate! They are all legends!

[@FLEMO83]

@@lee.j 100% right there mate ! 30+ years of history for me

[@RocketDog73]

Stunning and what a place to live. The Government should encourage and not hinder that way of living.

[@lockedout8643]

As a cray fishermans son I spent a lot of time in a shack a bit further up the coast. Different time and there where very few non fisherman shacks. I have to say I don't know why some people think they should be able to squat on pristine coastal land just because they want to, what makes them so special? Everyone who wants to should just go build a shack on the beach, what could go wrong?

[@dilligaf8349]

I believe captain cook stated something like that about the aborigines, so he hopped off his boat and poked a flag in the sand and started demanding taxes.

[@nataliefenelon4796]

This warmed my heart seeing people living simply & focusing on what really matters. If there is anything any of us can do to help save this gem & support your community put the word out- I would happily lobby on your behalf. My Dad is an old hippy & my happiest times were when he lived in a shack in Central Vic with a resident brown snake & dirt floor. We would have said in the past that what is happening to you "is so unAustralian," but the powers that be are really making it hard for anyone living outside the box. They are like the big bad wolf huffing & puffing at your fantastic village... bloody bastards!

[@jesseking9254]

Wow, I thought it was going to be a South Africa style slum, but its actually really nice

[@dalane5196]

Just to correct you, the largest shack community as far as I am aware is in Lightning Ridge NSW with approx 1400 shacks built here from the early 1900s. Most have been recognised and offered western lands leases in perpetuity, only roughly 400 to find a permanent solution for, the ones out around Grawin and Glengarry Opal Field's.

[@lee.j]

yes mate that is correct, however, Wedge isn't considered a "formal" shack community, hence the use of "informal" in our title.

[@anikajain571]

I'm in Lightning Ridge, in a camp ( shack) on a claim. Icannot buy my mother's claim, I can only inherit it. Ppl are being forced out in the same ways, rates are rising, restrictions continually getting tighter yet zero services being provided. It's BS. this vid makes me realise that the fight to keep our homes, our freedom & lifestyles are worth more than we know.

[@dalane5196]

@@anikajain571 If you are on a claim and not a western lands lease you must be out at Grawin, Glengarry or Sheepyard. Why cant you transfer the claim into your name, I have never heard anything like that before, not saying you are wrong but I have not heard of it happening to any body else. As to your rates, yes they are getting higher, certainly higher than services received, but you see you had a general manager who did not like opal miners much and he slowly each year with the rate increase put up miners rates and decreased rates in other areas of the shire. I wonder Anika if I look on the electoral role if I will find your name, and you see that is the big problem nobody in the camps are on the role or very few, so why would politicians or Shire managers care what they think. The same General Manager sunk the water piping to Grawin and Sheep Yard and the large tanks for each of the three fields. Even the grading of the roads are done by the LR Area Opal Reserve and not council, council contributes nothing, though they are finally taking over the first section of road out to the grid near the social club.

[@WESTAUSSIEMOTOFAN]

My family use to have shack at Didi bay .we grew up there right near the army fence one hill over from the beach.so many great memories bull frog well , wedge, narrow neck unfortunately it was bulldozed by the government🦢 Save wedge.

[@dianab8008]

This is how I grew up with a beach shack put together by family and friends. It’s still around today, handed on to other families to enjoy. Great life.

[@Aussie.Joes.magic.Burley]

HI, Mate, I'm in Perth, could I still build a little shack up that way? cheers

[@lee.j]

No you can’t, it will be demolished if any new buildings appear

[@User01AS]

Really great vid thanks for making this

[@Antipodean33]

This "Crown Land" nonsense is a disgrace. I see signs here in South Australia where fences have been erected with keep out signs posted under the Crown. This particular land is along the start of the Port River in a spot I've fished, swam and hung around since my 60s childhood. Now a year or so ago I'm fenced out. I'm unsure exactly how it works but I was told that Crown Land is literally the monarchy of Britain.

[@BenRobson-w2u]

People from big cities come to our peaceful little simple spots say how lovely it is and then turn it into where they come from I have never understood that

[@mwallace2922]

👍👍👍👍

[@gureno19]

Issue with communities like this is they aren't profitable for the State and also act as a test case as to why you dont need to rely on the state and federal government to run your entire lives

[@jamesmatheson5115]

Use to go to Wedge back 20 years ago, when it wasnt available for everyone, now you go on the Hwy and then take the main road into Wedge, it wont last forever, there is to much money to be made as a holiday destination.

[@Mgtowfreedom]

30 seconds in and I love it already ❤

[@sachasully3200]

Oh gosh. I really feel for you guys. We have also had huge issues with Crown Lands and now we have Native Title over our homes. I pray this doesn’t happen to your homes too 💞

[@trevorcronin9249]

The public service should be made to open all the processes for all decisions to the public. All meetings should be live streamed and recorded for the public to assess. Diary's should be made public and posted with real-time updates. That way the public can see what forces are influencing the people we pay to look after our country. This anti shack policy is common Australia wide, it would be very interesting to see what forces are driving this..

[@patrickbaird7416]

I agree. All goings on in council buildings should be live streamed. However they are the ones with cameras all over our towns watching us. Public servants think they are bosses of the people

[@bigshadow4957]

I wished some of the tv channels pick this up and got it out to the broader audience

[@lee.j]

Getting a pretty good audience on here so far, but yeah, would be nice if they did.

[@noneofyourbizness]

massive land, but Australia MUST make it hideously expensive / inaccessible. The 'fair go' has fair gone.

[@dilligaf8349]

I feel small communities like these prove it's the only way to live.

[@Danzagal]

Love wedge my favourite place to visit

[@ArtyWalsh]

great watch

[@bryceanderson1772]

What a glorious place and people... this is a fight worth fighting!....

[@headmondronary2127]

So its for a select few? Not very Australian, i can only imagine the conversations over a few beers there. Do the Aboriginal people get to be there?

[@lee.j]

Wedge is open to the public anyone is allowed, and yes there is a very strong aboriginal community at Wedge. One of the people we interviewed is…

[@Atlas99973]

I've stayed at wedge twice nearly strangers will give you the keys to there shack free of charge. Just leave it cleaner than you found it. So many more people can experience and then also advocate for the place. I've never met so many like minded West Aussies. ❤❤❤

[@GoldMonsterGurusCuznCuzProspec]

Love Wedge island great memories of that place @ Matt’s shack 🤙#gootimes#greatfishing#surfing#dirtbikeriding#4wheeldriving##gettingthekidsoutdoors

[@colinfwalters]

This was how Australia was colonised. Squatters illegally occupied public lands , made up all kinds of reasons why it should be theirs, and eventually the government gave it to them. Generally for a pittance if anything. For no public benefit.

[@jeanl8891]

❤SAVE WEDGE ❤

[@eazyrider6122]

If your paying rates then you expect services, its handy having these locals here, Who would help you if you was drowning or had a boat accident or victim of a shark attack etc?. These people would most likely be first responders and could save lives. Waste would be a concern if anything.

[@lewdards1127]

now i finally understand what all those SAVE WEDGE bumper stickers mean!

[@cjod33]

I remember overhearing a conversation at the coral bay hotel between a bunch of CALM officer's back in 2001. The overall plan was to make the entire Ningaloo area and many others into Thier complete control. Turn it all into eco tourism etc approved and run by them.

[@charlielittle8815]

Keep up the fight.

[@dilligaf8349]

W.A also has a province that is being slammed by the gov and ato. These two places need to band together. Or let's get the managers managing Australia

[@edcraig3589]

spent a lot a time there , me mate still has a shack , SHAME on the so called government ! fom 18years old till 56 years old ! love this spot

[@lee.j]

Well said!

[@Mazuhisa]

G'Day, my brother and i are planning a trip up there to try out my new Forbie and go fishing, I would like to tour the place and listen to stories maybe over a few beers 😄 I'm a Filipino, migrated to Australia 2014 and back then i really didn't like Australia there's nothing here but flats i thought 😂 but doing FiFo and Watching some 4wd channels... Man this country has got a lot, just need a Forbie to explore it 😆. But now that I've grown accustomed to the culture, the government decides they wanna take all the fun away 🤣 Anyways here's to hoping! 🍻

[@glenfilby7637]

PEOPLE ALLOWED IN TO HAVE FUN ,OUR GOVERMENT AT THE MOMENT ARNT HUMAN MATE,WE NEED A NEW SYSTEM FOR THE PEOPLE

[@cherienafo7676]

S.A// Leave Wedge alone !!! this should be called/claimed - as a National Treasure and left in peace.

[@sassmate6850]

Yeeew SAVE WEDGE ❤

[@BradDavey-c2m]

Can anyone build a shack up there?

[@lee.j]

Not anymore, if a new structure appears it will be demolished

[@TheKnobCalledTone.]

These freeloaders have had it too good for too long. They should be grateful that various WA State Governments from both sides haven't gotten around to finishing off the job they were supposed to start in 1987.

[@SurfingwithHaze]

Great community

[@haemstah]

Guy on camera looks like he has a local farming background, but im probably wrong there! Remember driving in there occassionally back in the 70's when my dad was passing by during a tour. Good times.

[@-Awareness]

Typical of a parks service… kick everyone out, then forget about it and let it turn to sh!t…

[@ocramble]

Let’s all go there.

[@user-mc2ek5nu8l]

Used to go to Wedge when we were teenagers back in the early 60's when there was only a couple of cray fisherman shacks. Since then it turned into a free for all by these BS squatters and they were to be moved on years ago by the then labor Government until a Minister indicated his dad had a shack there. I'm sure there's a host of people who would like to claim a scenic piece of WA's coast for a home with no bills. These shacks need to be removed sooner than later as they are nothing more than a freaking eyesore.

[@bobmarshall3700]

Why would those who seek peace and quiet and solitude want to encourage the masses to come and ruin a little community?

[@the11theleven]

I'm really hoping the Coorong stays untouched, too. All these sorts of unique places exist around this country and similar stories of capitalism threatening an otherwise peaceful and harmonious existence. Best of luck!

[@roocrew86]

Loved wedge Unfortunately the road already killed it

[@kparker2430]

We'll see how viewing this video effects my opinion. My honest understanding currently; is that rich Crayfishing Families and their friends have this place and have had it for 100 years or so. It was mainly a seasonal place where cray fishers there for the season made their shacks. Crayfishermen are about as rich as private fishermen get. For some, it was a side hustle to their extensive farming enterprises. ... If i'm back for an edit I've changed my mind. Worse than I thought. Full on farmer mentality with flash 4wd and a belief they should be able to drive where they want. The beach is no place for 4WD, unless one is used to making environmental compromises.

[@lee.j]

The film isn’t necessarily to change peoples minds, but rather give an insight on the community and way of life of wedge island. I hope you enjoyed it regardless!

[@dattoDJ]

This place was never about being flash and entitled. No one making millions and trying to "be someone" builds a fishing shack out of rusty tin. If anything these shack communities have a sense of preserving and protecting their areas, especially when compared to the average teenage City kid that gets their licence and goes out to find the biggest dune to try and drive up. These are the people that are organising rubbish clean ups, not "dump leave and forget tomorrow". I don't understand what you see in this that makes you think there's a sense of entitlement about it?

[@kparker2430]

@@dattoDJ the ones who had a shack were farmers and crayfishermen; one group used their shacks for work purposes, the other for holidays, nice exclusive holidays. This is no 'town camp' for down and outs. Farmers being farmers. All entitlement.

[@cloudattack3279]

Govt is playing the long squeeze game. Happened to my family with our caravan on crown land in a nsw caravan park. Not even the MP would engage our situation of sudden death of our mother the lease holder. Rates were the same too, 1000% rise over the last 20 years. Not many permanent sites left. 50 years of wonderful family memories and we were out on our assess a month after mum died.

[@djhogan65]

The problem in the modern world is the massive increase in population, and huge amounts of rules and regulations, and the nanny state. It makes places like this unviable. This place does not comply with modern standards and Government can not support this. If it is made open to the public then HUGE amounts of infrastructure are required. The bottom line is that the settlers were squatters, and the Government will do everything it can to bring this to an end. In hindsite, the smart thing to do back in the 1950s or 1960s would have been to obtain the land as freehold land, you probably could have achieved that then….no way now!

[@raijatilles1099]

The powers off being,let people Live❤❤what a beautiful place ❤

[@Mr4xl]

Wedge is a great place. . . . . It should be available to all that appreciate it. . . . . If your not paying rates the dwellings should doze and removed and the area managed for all not those few

[@lee.j]

The wedge shack owners are paying a yearly license, which has been increasing dramatically every year. Very little of this money has been put back into any infrastructure what so ever at wedge. A simple public toilet, bbq area and campsites would be a nice start.

[@lee.j]

Bear in mind these licenses have been paid every year since 1995… these shacks have no mains water, gas or electricity and completely run off grid.

[@patrickbaird7416]

Pay your rates means you don’t own the land your just renting of the government.

[@lee.j]

@@patrickbaird7416 yes correct, they do not own the land

[@Voxtrum]

the clowns want to fence in the grounds and keep us thinking this circus is the only way of life, to not see outside, to not think outside

[@paulmcmullan9931]

I hear you mate. I feel the shacks at wedge will go the same way as the shacks on Rotto. I have stayed in the shacks on Rotto and Wedge; but that was almost 50 years ago. I hope you have a win. Left wing loonies need to be kept out of parliament and local councils.

[@Aidan.17]

I started off this video thinking bloody squatters thats not right until i got to the part about how local gov is charging fees totalling 30 million over a long period of time and the residents have nothing to show for it other then a road to the settlement. Absolutely disgusting from WA government. Shame shame shame on you.

[@jamesspinaze4583]

Typical government kicking out people for their financial gains.

[@TheStarcruiser]

❤👍

[@rowdy5697]

The sooner they knock the shacks down the sooner the public will be able to access the area like they do at Sandy Cape. This has gone on for far too long.

[@lee.j]

The public already has access to wedge.

[@rowdy5697]

@@lee.j Not for camping as at Sandy Cape. Only for the special few.

[@lee.j]

@@rowdy5697 there is a bunch of camp sites just like that of sandy cape at wedge/grey as part of the wangareen reserve.

[@rowdy5697]

@@lee.j 15 campsites suitable for tents, rooftop & awning tents only. You have to be joking if you compare that to Sandy Cape. You obviously haven't been there to make that comparison. 88 sites at Sandy Cape for vans and tents with facilities and 36 sites at Milligan Island with facilities. Both packed out during long weekends and Easter while the chosen few hog Wedge. Don't know how the Wedge crowd have managed to keep it for so long but long overdue to be developed for the use of the public of WA not the chosen few. How many other shack communities along that stretch of coast have strung it out as long as the mob at Wedge.

[@lee.j]

@@rowdy5697 if you ever have the pleasure meeting the locals that call wedge home, you’ll be surprised to learn their openness to creating areas just like sandy cape for people to come camp and share the special place that is wedge. They certainly don’t try to hide this nor hog wedge for their own. Majority of wedge people have families and children they want to share the history of the area with, not keep it to themselves. Every year the community has multiple fundraisers bringing hundreds of locals and non locals to help maintain access tracks and signage to make it easier for the public to access and see the area. If you actually watch the film you will learn this. Most other shacks area like wedge have been destroyed because sadly they didn’t have a voice large enough, but unlike them wedge has a very strong campaign and is the largest informal community in Australia. Something that needs to protected and shared with the rest of west aussies to enjoy.

[@Hydrnaught]

What ruined Wedge is the wood ducks who had absolutely no right whatsoever to simply move in. The pro fishers were there for a reason woodies were there for no good reason at all. Wedge needs to be completely flattened & everything other than the pro shacks left.

[@JasonLianneMac]

Nah, no such thing as squatter’s rights. This land belongs to all WA people, not just a select few who had parents build a shack on property they didn’t own.

[@rossco-dps5392]

Why just WA people? Can people from interstate visit?

[@cjames21]

Anyone can just move in and take your shack and had happened a number of times…it’s not all cuddles and rainbows

[@williamsmith5514]

Development people will be wanting to make it freehold exclusive property . Continue with prayer and keep putting your videos out and get public support . Brake free of the bonage with public departments they are not Lords over you !

[@willowwillow2023]

Sorry to say but sand dredging done years ago moved the sand around. Why you ask well someone made a shit load of money to sell sea sand to make island's off the coast of Dubai man made design disaster.

[@michaelfromMountains]

We had a shack at Sandy Cape Jurien Bay.....then the Systemic Shire system bulldozed it and all others ....now Tour Buses call in 👈😏😉🤣🤣

[@lee.j]

Such a shame

[@geoffreywilliambradley5015]

Talk about wedge what about all the tracks blocked with logs limestone boulders can’t camp can’t picnic can’t do anything like we did 50 years ago like Mandurah al our favourite crabbing spots became canals for the rich as a Western Australian we need to get rid of the Labour Party and liberal party and start party for the people

[@concernedcitizen5506]

If Australia doesn’t go the Argentinian way it will all be gone forever.

[@zentriffid]

Not yours. Squatters.

[@damodoesall6240]

I would love to see this place flattened and public assessable caravan park and camping ground put it. Just because your ancestors were rich enough to afford a 4x4 when they were expensive back in the day, doesn't give you the right to squat on the public s land in perpetuity.

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

Why can't the government leave you alone?????????????You are life enhancing and non threatening...

[@kaleheidke5232]

Black man wants it.! Free money

[@PN_48]

Classic Government BS. Keep fighting guys!

[@marknikoloski1268]

All my life in WA and never heard of Wedge Island but it's a place I would love to visit being born and bred in WA myself I would gladly spend money in our own backyard. After seeing this doco, the community's abience, and lifestyle show peace and tranquility and the beach is amazing, it would be nice for the place to be transformed with a marina and turn into a proper coastal habour town with a tourist infrastructure accompanying Hotels, offices restaurants, eateries, caravan parks etc, Which could definitely pump the economic situation, the government should implement new shacks for the current residence for the fees they have pumped into the island where they can then rent out as Air Bnb's if they choose to or maybe the government along with the wedge council arrange land sales for DA approval for tourist shacks to be built for investors or locals to buy a piece of the land but only Australian and not Internationals. They could even create a resort lifestyle like many other islands. I'm sure it has been brought up before, but just putting my 2 cents worth in.

[@sharongoodsell9341]

Look out the rich take all eventually , reserved unill its not

[@Insideoutie]

It will all be underwater soon.

[@beng1357]

I feel sorry for this community. Hopefully the West Australian public wake up to what the labor government are doing to this state. Seems like they ban something new every month. Much easier for them to ban than manage correctly I guess. Time to vote them out!

[@perentee77]

The Labor government of Australia are just another branch of the evil left sweeping western societies that are hell bent on self annihilation. They must be stopped!

[@ElKymbo]

Oh no! My premium free accomodation that I took is under threat. Pay for holidays like the rest of us.

[@ocramble]

Wonder how the aboriginals were kicked out?😊

[@user-zk1hv7mk9v]

Greed/ arrogance/ ignorance... All pre requisites to be a politician. STOP destroying our communities FFS!!

[@perentee77]

I'm actually stunned the aboriginals haven't laid claim to it and used their bullies (government) to boot everyone years ago.

[@daallaad]

What is wrong with your head ?

[@nataliefenelon4796]

This warmed my heart seeing people living simply & focusing on what really matters. If there is anything any of us can do to help save this gem & support your community put the word out- I would happily lobby on your behalf. My Dad is an old hippy & my happiest times were when he lived in a shack in Central Vic with a resident brown snake & dirt floor. We would have said in the past that what is happening to you "is so unAustralian," but the powers that be are really making it hard for anyone living outside the box. They are like the big bad wolf huffing & puffing at your fantastic village... bloody bastards!