Moreton Bay Regional Council sells 9.2ha of land at Rothwell to Stockland

STOCKLAND has acquired another site in southeast Queensland but not everyone is happy with the council’s decision to sell the land.

Rothwell residents Maureen and Brian Armiger are not happy with the sale of 9.2ha at Morris Rd, Rothwell. Picture: Chris Higgins

• Residents upset by council’s plan to sell land
• Council pushes on with controversial land sale
• Stockland buys into growth precinct

DESPITE a petition and community objection, one of Queensland’s largest councils sold 9.2ha of land, earmarked for recreational space, to a developer.

The land at Morris Rd, Rothwell, which is just north of Brisbane, was purchased by Moreton Bay Regional Council from the State Government in 2002.

On August 4 Stockland announced it was the successful winner of the tender, purchasing the land for $16,150,000.

Former Redcliffe City councillor Peter Houston said the land was originally purchased as the council did not wish to see housing on it.

Moreton Bay Regional Council put the land up for tender in May.

Stockland's new 9.2ha development site at 159-217 Morris Rd, Rothwell.

Not all residents were happy with the decision to sell the land.

Former mayoral candidate Dean Teasdale started a petition against the sale, which was signed by more than 400 residents.

A council spokesman did not state if the petition had been considered before the block was sold.

An online poll by Quest Community News showed 84 per cent of people (212 votes) were against the sale.

Stockland Queensland general manager of residential Kingsley Andrew said the plan was to build about 190 lots of varying sizes.

The council spokesman said any development applications for the site would be assessed in line with its planning scheme.

He said all money made from the sale would be reinvested in council projects.