January 15, 2016
The South Burnett Regional Council will call for expressions of interest in one of the region’s choicest pieces of real estate: the former Pound Street Depot site in Kingaroy.
The large block, between Pound Street and Kingaroy Street, was originally used as a works depot by the former Kingaroy Shire Council.
When the depot was decommissioned in 2007, it was discovered the land had become contaminated.
A lengthy and expensive decontamination process was then carried out, concluding in December 2014 when the block was finally given the “all clear” and removed from the State Contaminated Land Register.
The Council then engaged Local Government Infrastructure Services (LGIS) to recommend options for the site’s future use.
They advised the block would be suitable for a major retail development; a commercial government office; a private hospital or day surgery; community housing and/or aged care; a conference/entertainment centre; or mixed use.
At Wednesday’s Council meeting, Councillors voted to seek expressions of interest in the block.
Cr Damien Tessmann, who moved the motion, said the land was a parcel that needed to be sold at some time.
But Cr Barry Green disagreed.
“I’m not in favour of this idea,” he said.
“This land is prime real estate and a major asset. We spent $1 million on it and now want to sell it. I think we would be better to keep it or lease it.”
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said the purpose of the exercise was simply to gauge market interest.
“We are not issuing a tender. But if any offers are made, they will come back to Council and can be considered then.”
Cr Keith Campbell said he thought calling for expressions of interest exercise was a logical way to test the current state of the market.
“I don’t see why we should just let it sit there. And if this site is developed, it could turn into an income stream for Council.”
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