MEMBERS of the Point Lonsdale Civic Association say they have many concerns and unanswered questions regarding the proposed sale of land in Murray Road.<\/p>\n
The Borough of Queenscliffe recently gave public notice of its intention to sell the councilowned land at Lot 1, 61\u201375 Murray Road, Queenscliff.<\/p>\n
The land contains two lots; Lot 1, approximately 9,509 square metres in size, and Lot 2, approximately 6.045 hectares.<\/p>\n
The land is currently vacant and has been zoned for residential purposes since at least 1981.<\/p>\n
PLCA President Rob Minty said the question of why the asset was proposed for sale had never been answered or explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is to be done with the funds has also not been explained,\u201d Mr Minty said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe responsibility for council is to ensure the assets and funds of council are well managed for the benefits of ratepayers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel the sale of the land is not warranted\u00a0due the state of budget, which is close to balanced ie. it has little debt.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Minty said the association also had environmental concerns, as the land was low lying and therefore subject to climate change variances.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also like to question the impact on swales, crossovers and other natural features adjacent or nearby,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe very close proximity to RAMSAR-listed\u00a0wetlands, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact of any development on the subject land site \u2013 if sold to property developers, could result in irreversible impacts on the pristine Swan Bay environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cMuch of the low-lying land has conservation values i.e. it contains significant vegetation, which prevents development.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d a council statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil is progressing through the formal statutory process and at this time has not made a\u00a0final decision to sell the land.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is expected that Council will formally determine whether or not to sell the land at its
\nJanuary 2019 Ordinary Meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Council decides to sell the land at Lot 1, 61\u2013 75 Murray Road, sale will be via an open market, competitive process.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil has not considered the longer term future of Lot 2, 61\u201375 Murray Road.\u201d<\/p>\n
The PLCA will hold its 2019 Annual General Meeting in the Learning Common, Point Lonsdale Primary School, Bowen Road, Point Lonsdale on\u00a0Friday January 11 at 7.30pm.<\/p>\n
The guest speaker will be Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Bob Merriman.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u201375 Murray Road, Queenscliff. The land contains two lots; Lot 1, approximately […]<\/p>\n