PLCA questions proposed land sale

MEMBERS of the Point Lonsdale Civic Association say they have many concerns and unanswered questions regarding the proposed sale of land in Murray Road.

The Borough of Queenscliffe recently gave public notice of its intention to sell the councilowned land at Lot 1, 61–75 Murray Road, Queenscliff.

The land contains two lots; Lot 1, approximately 9,509 square metres in size, and Lot 2, approximately 6.045 hectares.

The land is currently vacant and has been zoned for residential purposes since at least 1981.

PLCA President Rob Minty said the question of why the asset was proposed for sale had never been answered or explained.

“What is to be done with the funds has also not been explained,” Mr Minty said.

“The responsibility for council is to ensure the assets and funds of council are well managed for the benefits of ratepayers.

“We feel the sale of the land is not warranted due the state of budget, which is close to balanced ie. it has little debt.”

Mr Minty said the association also had environmental concerns, as the land was low lying and therefore subject to climate change variances.

“We also like to question the impact on swales, crossovers and other natural features adjacent or nearby,” he said.

“The very close proximity to RAMSAR-listed wetlands, leads us to form a view that it would be better for the council, in close consultation with the community, to formulate a plan on the entire seven-hectare site, not just a small corner.

“The impact of any development on the subject land site – if sold to property developers, could result in irreversible impacts on the pristine Swan Bay environment.

“Much of the low-lying land has conservation values i.e. it contains significant vegetation, which prevents development.”

The Council stated that it had approved a Development Plan that allowed for subdivision of Lot 1 into 13 residential lots, subject to a planning permit application.

“The configuration of Lot 1 in the eastern corner of the site has been designed to avoid the removal of any significant vegetation as part of any future residential subdivision,” a council statement said.

“Council is progressing through the formal statutory process and at this time has not made a final decision to sell the land.

“It is expected that Council will formally determine whether or not to sell the land at its
January 2019 Ordinary Meeting.

“If Council decides to sell the land at Lot 1, 61– 75 Murray Road, sale will be via an open market, competitive process.

“In accordance with Section 189 of the Local Government Act 1989, a formal valuation of the land would need to be obtained if Council does determine to sell the land.

“Council has not considered the longer term future of Lot 2, 61–75 Murray Road.”

The PLCA will hold its 2019 Annual General Meeting in the Learning Common, Point Lonsdale Primary School, Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale on Friday January 11 at 7.30pm.

The guest speaker will be Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Bob Merriman.