Natoli Says Council Should Not Be Selling Off Assets 37 Days Before Election
Division Four candidate Joe Natoli. Image Supplied
Division Four candidate Joe Natoli said Council should not be offloading the remaining parcel of land at the Brisbane Road car park site.
“Council identified 1000 car parks were needed in Mooloolaba. The new multi-deck car park on the Smith St end will provide 700 car parks, but already they have begun chipping away at the total by giving relaxations to developers,” he said.
“The new Aria building opposite the surf club was granted a relaxation of 150 spots. Why? This will save the developer over $3million and cost the community who have trouble finding a parking space as it is.
Council should be making sure developers provide enough spaces for their customers – not letting them get away with less, while residents pay for it.
Did council do this to force people on the street to pay? To bolster its own coffers?
Council has already approved paid parking for Mooloolaba – but NOT just in the multi-deck car park, on the street!
Locals will pay to visit the beach for a swim, to walk or to grab a coffee. This will be the only beach on the Sunshine Coast where you have to pay to go for a swim! FOR NOW – other beaches and towns will be next.
Maroochydore is also on the hit list for paid parking on the street.
It is a blight on our lifestyle.
Once the parcel of land on Brisbane Rd is sold, there is no going back. Our community will not be able to build another car park or anything else if this community asset is sold now,” Mr Natoli said.
Council should wait until the new councillors are sworn in and the community is consulted properly before making decisions that impact on our lifestyle, the candidate said.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson responded saying "Sunshine Coast Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting on November 8 2018 to divide the existing Brisbane Road Car Park site into two parcels".
"Following this decision, council undertook an expression of interest and tender process for the southern parcel fronting Brisbane Road and First Avenue.
"An extensive evaluation process has identified a Preferred Respondent and council is moving to negotiate suitable agreements with that Preferred Respondent" the statement concluded.
By Michelle Brewer
