Mayor takes shot at rival in defending plan

MAYOR Tom Tate says the council can legally sell the Bruce Bishop carpark despite the land having been gifted to the city almost 80 years ago.

A Bulletin report yesterday revealed that in 1938 the late Surfers Paradise resident Charles Joseph Hicks, in a deed arrangement with the council, instructed the land be preserved as a recreational reserve.

“I can say to you this parcel of land, there is no legal requirement that stops us from selling it,” Cr Tate said.

But he said he would explain to ratepayers why the council was acting in the interests of the benefactor.

“What it is, is that gift was so generous regarding the open space. However, when you look down on that park ... it was under-utilised and most people don’t know that park exists. What we’re doing now is the sale of that asset, we’re going to utilise the funding and create 1.6 additional hectares at the Evandale Parklands and that means the intent of the open space will be enjoyed by the wider community and tourists.”

Cr Tate yesterday took a political shot at Eddy Sarroff as his former rival announced plans to stop council selling a “massive city asset”. “He was a failed candidate for division four (in 2016). He was a failed mayoral candidate in 2012. You know democracy is a wonderful thing.

“He’s looking ... to get into division seven. People will be the judge. We don’t want councillors or people like that, like a bum looking for a seat.”