Letter to the Editor: The sale of surplus road reserves

DEAR News Of The Area,

I AM writing regarding the Council’s proposal to sell off surplus parcels of land to fund road repairs.

I agree in principle with the concept that road reserves no longer required for road purposes could be sold.

But this is subject to an essential caveat.

An over-riding requirement for any proposed road reserve closure must be whether the community amenity is significantly affected by its closure and its subsequent sale of the land to a private entity.  Does the block offer significant amenity to the community that would be wiped-out should it be sold?

In the case of several locations proposed, the deleterious impact is readily apparent.

Those fronting the water, for instance, would be much better kept in the hands of council for all the community to enjoy rather than sold off to a private entity.

Any potential parkland such as these are very rare and should remain within public hands. PSC2025-00975-0004, PSC2025-00970-0004, PSC2025-00976-0004 fit this criterion and it is crucial that these remain within public hands.

The point is that while they may no longer be needed for road purposes, they offer valuable access to the waterfront for the entire community.

Each represents a valuable long-term asset to the community, well in excess of a one-off infusion of funds for the council.

Their sale would simply equate with council negligence.

Several other blocks adjoin bushland.

It is important that a similar criterion be attached to those prior to a potential sale.

For example, is the block an important habitat for wildlife?

Is the block a corridor for wildlife?

Does the block provide an essential open space within an area that is otherwise devoid of such spaces?

Such criteria cannot be assessed by looking at the pictures, but nevertheless, are essential if a proper decision is to be made.

My other comment refers to the potential sale process.

Council notes that independent experts would set fair prices.

That process does not appear to be very transparent to me and has the potential for the community to be dudded.

The sale process must be open, preferably with each block being put up for auction.

Sure, the “expert’s fair price” can be used as a benchmark for a reserve price, but the final sale price must come from a transparent negotiation.

Otherwise, it would seem that council could be facilitating corrupt conduct.

Regards,
John BROADBENT,
Fishermans Bay.