Redland City Council has voted to sell an unidentified prime parcel of Council-owned land at Wellington Point to an adjoining owner after debating the proposed disposal behind closed doors.
The motion passed 6–3 when councillors returned to open session at Wednesday’s general meeting.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty, Cr Shane Rendalls and Cr Jason Colley voted against the disposal.
Council’s agenda described the matter only as the “disposal of land to adjoining owner – Wellington Point”, with the discussion held confidentially on the grounds it involved commercial negotiations and public disclosure could prejudice Council’s interests.
The location of the land, the purchaser, sale price and valuation basis were not publicly disclosed with the decision.
It is understood the parcel is next to a local business and is presently used for outdoor dining, raising questions about whether the land should remain in public ownership and instead be made available through a commercial lease.
The issue is particularly sensitive in Wellington Point, where public land in and around the village is limited and highly valued.
Council has recently moved to expand outdoor-dining opportunities, with the new arrangements understood to potentially allow the adjoining business to substantially increase its seating capacity.
Critics of the sale are likely to question why Council would permanently dispose of a potentially valuable public asset rather than retain ownership, generate ongoing income through a lease and preserve flexibility for future community use.
They are also likely to ask why the land was offered directly to an adjoining owner instead of being tested through an open tender or public market process.
Council has not publicly released details of the transaction, including whether an independent valuation was obtained, whether other parties were given an opportunity to purchase or lease the land, and what public benefit Council believes will flow from the sale.
The 6–3 vote means the disposal can now proceed, subject to any legal and contractual requirements.
Residents seeking clarity will be watching for Council to identify the site and disclose the commercial terms behind the decision.
