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Brisbane City Council accused of riding roughshod over Joy Lamb

A proper investigation is needed into Brisbane City Council’s handling of the Lamb House sale, writes Peter Gleeson.

Joy Lamb at Lamb House. Picture: Peter Wallis
Joy Lamb at Lamb House. Picture: Peter Wallis

More questions than answers are emerging as the Brisbane City Council presses ahead with plans to sell a famous heritage home seized after an unpaid rates dispute.

Known as Lamb House, the council at its last meeting decided to sell the property, despite the protestations of its owner, Joy Lamb.

Council Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy was scathing, accusing the council of riding roughshod over the decision-making process.

Brisbane City Council has decided to sell Lamb House. Picture: Peter Wallis
Brisbane City Council has decided to sell Lamb House. Picture: Peter Wallis

A tribunal had ruled before Christmas that Ms Lamb, aged in her 70s, was unable to handle her own affairs, after her husband died in her arms in 2013 from a heart attack, which Joy says was brought on by the stress of losing their home.

Council argues the Kangaroo Point home has become derelict because of neglect with a large hole in the roof risking its safety.

The home was built in 1902 and has suffered structural damage after vibrations from rock blasting.

Ms Lamb believes the council and “other interests’’ are conspiring to remove her and “underhanded tactics have become common’’.

There’s a lot more to play out in this space. Surely a proper investigation is needed into the probity and behaviour of certain individuals.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/peter-gleeson/brisbane-city-council-accused-of-riding-roughshod-over-joy-lamb/news-story/e50c2cefe89098bfb2ac4606e11f980d