Attempt made to apply brakes to Bruce Bishop car park sale

Jill COUNCILLORS will be asked to vote on delaying the sale of the Bruce Bishop car park in Surfers Paradise until court action determines its fate.

Area councillor Gary Baildon wrote to CEO Dale Dickson on February 7 asking that a motion regarding the car park’s future be put on today’s full council agenda.

If successful, council would refrain from taking any action that may bind it to sell, lease, licence or otherwise deal with the car park and Surfers Paradise Transit

Ms Peters is one of nine industry operators, including Magic Millions businesses and veterinarians, who appealed a council decision to allow a Centre until after Supreme Court action, but officers could still talk to buyers.

The Save Surfers Paradise group is seeking an injunction to stop council from selling the $25 million asset raised by developer funding arguing it breached a statutory trust because “the money raised will be used for purposes other than those represented”.

SAVE SP steering committee co-ordinator Deborah Kelly, in an email to councillors, said the group would have no alternative but to apply to the court for an injunction if the voluntary undertaking was not provided. “A voluntary undertaking avoids the need for an expensive court application and the potential for a legal costs order against the council. It is in the interests of ratepayers and residents,” she wrote.

“It is in keeping with the council’s obligations under the Model Litigant Rules and represents a fair compromise and respect for the rights of both parties to this litigation.”

The Bulletin sought comment from Cr Baildon about whether his motion would be on the agenda but he did not respond to requests for comment.