Developer risks $2.9m penalty

A DEVELOPER faces fines of up to $2.9 million unless it cleans up a derelict site in the centre of Southport.

The Queen Street property is owned by PSR Southport MP Investment Pty Ltd which had planned to build a 324 units, retail space, a childcare centre and a lap pool across two towers.

The Gold Coast Bulletin yesterday revealed that despite gaining approval more than two years ago, an old weatherboard house on the site bought for $1.5 million is now frequented by vagrants.

Under the Planning Act 2016, if convicted by a court for contravening an enforcement notice there is currently a maximum penalty of $2.9 million.

The Council can also issue penalty infringement notices up to $13,055.00

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates confirmed an enforcement notice was issued to the developer last month and was being pursued by council staff.

“We continue to put as much pressure as possible on the owners to tidy up their properties,” she said.

“We can issue derelict notices if it is an extreme case and that will be the next step after the show cause notice.”

The Southport Chamber of Commerce president has called for the introduction of a council requirement that developers must knock down buildings on sites earmarked for development rather than allow them to become decrepit.