The residents, some of whom have been living in the Ballan Caledonian Caravan Park for nearly 10 years, have been given only six months to find a new place to call home.

The DSE, which manages the land for the state government, is evicting the tenants in July because the caravan park does not comply with its permanent land-use policy. But it would not elaborate on the future use of the site.

Only one of the town’s three real estate agents has rental properties available. But the caravan park residents say at $200 or more, private rentals are beyond their budget.

Beau Brekar, 60, who has been living at the park for about 10 years, said he didn’t have a lot of options.

“I am on a disability pension,” Mr Brekar said. “I am not going to find what I have here. It has taken time to establish that. I have got a caravan and car port and my own backyard.”

Mr Brekar said he currently paid only $100 a week and feared he might end up being homeless.

A spokeswoman for Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell would not give any specific details about public housing available in Ballan, the current waiting list, or whether residents would have to seek affordable accommodation elsewhere.

“Ballan is serviced by the Ballarat Housing Office and waiting list figures are aggregated according to the housing office region,” she said. “(The) Department of Human Services is discussing options for the future with tenants and support groups.”

Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin said there were only a few public houses in Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat but there was a long waiting list, which was “unacceptable” under the current circumstances.

“It is very regrettable,” Cr Griffin said. “The department has a responsibility. “If they are going to put people out on the street they will have to find them houses.”