A petition to protect and preserve the Sisters of Mercy site in Bardon has been set up, following an announcement that the sprawling property will be put up for sale. Local residents are concerned that a new residential development could destroy the surrounding areas of Mt Coot-tha.
Greens MP Michael Berkman said that Brisbane City Council could acquire the Sisters of Mercy property before it’s snapped up by developers. He said that Council may use the Bushland Acquisition Fund to save the site, where a potential new community hub can be established.
The Greens MP created the petition urging the Council to acquire the property. So far, the petition has gathered 2,000 signatures.
Because of its high ecological value, the Sisters of Mercy site is protected from tree clearing. However, residents want assurances that the protection will be strictly adhered to if a private developer buys the site.
Highlights
- A petition has been set up to save the Sisters of Mercy site at the Mt Coot-tha hilltop in Bardon, which is up for sale.
- Residents want Brisbane City Council to acquire the property instead of developers to preserve the bushlands.
- City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that potential development for the site will be strictly assessed because of its high ecological value.
“After consulting broadly with the community, it’s clear to me that residents want the Sisters of Mercy site to be protected for generations to come,” Mr Berkman said.
“Unfortunately, the real estate agents are still claiming that buyers could build ‘multi-residential, retirement, gated community, health and wellness precincts or a major home site for a high-net-worth private investor.'”
Mr Berkman also wrote Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to ask for his public confirmation “that developers will not be allowed to circumvent the constraints imposed and the ecological significance recognised in the relevant planning instruments.”
Council City Planning Chair Krista Adams said that it cannot commit to the property’s purchase but stated that any proposed development on the site would be strictly assessed during the planning stages.
Cushman & Wakefield Middle Markets is handling the sale of the Bardon property and the Expressions of Interest closed on 22 July. The outcome of the sale has not yet been revealed.
