Townsville council opposes sale of Dan Gleeson Gardens land

Plans for a $40 million residential project in Kirwan are under threat after Townsville City Council opposed the sale of land on which it is to be built.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker, Eastbrooke head of business development Chris de Picot and Colliers International agent Neville Smith.

PLANS for a $40 million residential project in Kirwan are threatened after Townsville City Council opposed the sale of land for the buildings.

The council last month resolved to oppose the revocation of the reserve status of a portion of Dan Gleeson Gardens in Thuringowa Drive after objections from residents.

Developer Eastbrooke Centres has made an application to buy the land from the State Government.

Eastbrooke bought the 2.4ha former Thuringowa Council site next to the gardens from the council last year for $7.5 million and is transforming the site into a medical and health services hub.

Dan Gleeson Memorial Garden.

It also gained preliminary council approval for a development plan which includes a unit development over the site and part of Dan Gleeson Gardens.

According to a council executive summary, no submissions were received in response to an initial call for submissions about the sale of the gardens land because there was confusion about the question being asked. A second round of consultation attracted more than 90 submissions against the proposal.

Councillor for the area Russ Cook told a council meeting the “overwhelming” response from residents and users of the gardens was against the sale.

Townsville Council meeting. Councillor Russ Cook. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mayor Jenny Hill said she had asked the CEO to have a staff member contact Eastbrooke to advise them of the council’s position.

Eastbrooke’s development masterplan proposed 132 units in two four-storey buildings.

One resident who had objected to the plan, Thuringowa Brass Band secretary Mick Cutler, said he was concerned the unit development would inhibit access to Dan Gleeson Gardens and those using the Thuringowa soundshell.

Mr Cutler said people had no issue with the use of the former council property as a medical and health services hub but did not want the residential complex.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker, Eastbrooke head of business development Chris de Picot and Colliers International agent Neville Smith.

A spokesman for Eastbrooke Centres could not be contacted for comment.

Originally published as Townsville council opposes sale of Dan Gleeson Gardens land