Prime piece of Caloundra real estate up for auction

A PORTION of a prime piece of Caloundra real estate will be preserved by Sunshine Coast Council for environment and community use, with the remainder being auctioned on Friday (February 14).

Council purchased the 1.6ha property at William St by public tender in 2012 amid concerns the deceased estate would be fully sub-divided if sold to developers who had shown significant interest.

More than 7500sq m of the original property will be retained by council for parkland. The remaining 8930sq m portion up for auction is accessed from Melaleuca St and includes a house, a caretaker’s residence and a pool.

Any future subdivision will require council approval and need to comply with minimum lot sizes of 700sq m.

The residential site which had not changed hands for 60 years when council purchased it, is on a hilltop and has ocean views. It is a short stroll to Moffat, Shelly and Kings beaches.

Divisional Councillor Tim Dwyer said the community had been very passionate about retaining the property as open space when it was first offered for tender.

“They had a connection with this unique piece of land and council took that on board when looking at all options to fund its unscheduled purchase,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Council respected the Caloundra community’s wishes and it was decided that subdividing and retaining one portion for open space and selling the other was the most appropriate use of ratepayer dollars.”

Cr Dwyer said a successful auction would allow the council to recoup the initial funding, while still providing a substantial area of open space for the environment and the community for generations to come.

“Council had previously identified a 5000sq m shortfall of parkland in the area and this preserved area of 7515sq m more than makes up for that,” he said.

“Preserving such a significant stand of trees provides an opportunity for wildlife to use the area as a link between Ben Bennett Park and George Watson Park.

“It also provides an open space for the residents – a place to sit and relax – and the green space provides links between local streets.

“We are putting into practice our goal to be a green and diverse council and I’m sure the residents of King, Moffat and Shelly beaches, in particular, will appreciate the result.

“I encourage them to really think about what this property will represent to them now and into the future and to take ownership of it in the long-term.”

The auction property is being marketed by Doug Wilson of Henzells Agency. It will be auctioned on February 14 at 3pm at Rumba Resort. For further information, phone 0417 734 592.