Gold Coast grandmother who was threatened with a $806 fine for sleeping in own driveway fired after complaining about council

A Gold Coast grandmother has been sacked from her public service job after complaining about a possible $806 fine from her local council for sleeping in the driveway of her own Broadbeach Waters home.

Belinda Lee Rose, 51, has now been left without a job after her online complaint on TikTok went viral, with the clip even causing Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate to ask for it to be reviewed.

In the clip, which has now been viewed 1.9 million times, Rose explained she was sleeping in her van as a cost-saving measure while her home underwent renovations.

A council officer knocked on her door at 1.30am, where she was issued with a fine for “unlawful camping,” in a public space.

Following the complaint, Rose was sacked from her role at Queensland’s Department of Housing.

“I was advised the contract that I had with the government body has been ended,” Lee told 7NEWS.

Rose said she was told that Queensland government works “closely” with the council.

“I was also wearing a lanyard, which was the government body’s property.”

Rose, dumbfounded by the decision, is now without a house or a job

“I don’t have the answer. But I don’t think that’s the answer,” she said.

7NEWS.com.au has reached out to Queensland Housing Minister Sam O’Connor.

“The Minister cannot comment on individual cases of employees, including contractors,” a spokesperson for the Minister’s office said.

In the TikTok clip, said: “Did you know it was illegal to sleep in your vehicle?”

“I got woken up and they issued me with this notice which carries an $806 fine.

“Where was I parked? On my property in my driveway.

“They assumed I was sleeping, for all they know I could have just been reading a book with my aircon on. Can you believe that?

“My house is in the process of being built, there’s only a few things left to do and yet I’m not allowed to stay in my van.

“Let’s not pay attention to the fact that I pay over $3,000 in council rates for my property that I purchased.

“Not to mention the fact that I pay registration cost and road cost for my vehicle to be on the road.”

Rose has moved into a friend’s home until her property is finished.

Gold Coast Council website indicates homeowners need to apply for a licence to camp on their own properties.

“A licence is needed for ... temporary or semi-permanent accommodation for residential or recreational purposes, including occupying or sleeping in a tent, caravan or vehicle,” it states.

“This includes the use of semi-permanent accommodation on private land while being built on by the owner-builder or builder.

“You will need to submit a copy of the approved development permit with your application.”

After the clip went viral, Mayor Tom Tate asked for a review.

“Let me be clear though, council only reacts on a complaint but, whether she is sleeping or not, I don’t know — we’ll have to ask the council officer,” Tate said.

“Excessive snoring may be the case, I don’t know.

“My sympathy is there and if that is all correct, I would encourage the CEO to waive the fine.”