A PRIME parcel of publicly owned land in Wellington Point could be sold or leased to an adjoining owner after councillors approved the potential deal behind closed doors without publicly identifying the site, buyer or value.
The disposal was debated in confidential session at Redland City Council’s September 16 general meeting before being approved 6-3 when councillors returned to open chamber.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty, Cr Shane Rendalls and Cr Jason Colley voted against the proposal.
Council’s public agenda gave only a brief description of the item: “Disposal of land to adjoining owner – Wellington Point”.
No location, lot details, proposed sale price, valuation or adjoining owner was publicly disclosed.
In a response to Local Redland Bayside News, Council said it had authorised the “potential sale or lease” of a small Wellington Point area to the adjoining owner – not a final sale.
It said any agreement remained subject to negotiations achieving fair market value and addressing public interest issues, including public access and amenity.
Council said the land could be disposed of without an open tender or auction under an exemption in the Local Government Regulation 2012. It said further details would remain confidential until negotiations were complete.
The issue is expected to draw strong community scrutiny in Wellington Point, where public land in the tightly held village precinct is limited.
It is understood the parcel adjoins a local business and is currently used for outdoor dining.
A lease could allow the business to continue using the area for outdoor dining while keeping the land in public hands and providing an ongoing income stream for ratepayers.
It would also preserve Council’s ability to review the arrangement.
