The ABC’s Mark Willacy reports (1.3.16) on a lucratvie land deal between the Brisbane City Council and a prominent businessman and LNP donor, which passed through Council without public tender. The proposed sale of designated parkland was halted by the state government, a decision since criticised by Lord Mayor Graham Quirk as ‘political’ given that the Council elections are only weeks away.
‘Brisbane City Council (BCC) signed a multi-million-dollar contract to sell designated city parkland to a businessman who is also a significant donor to the Liberal National Party, the ABC can reveal.
‘The conditional contract, obtained by the ABC, for the $3.3 million sale of the land near Brisbane Airport was signed in August last year without public tender, advertisement or auction, as required by Queensland Government regulation.
‘Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who along with his LNP administration is seeking re-election on March 19, said he was aware the prospective buyer was an LNP donor but argued the deal was in the interest of ratepayers.
‘Labor’s mayoral candidate, Rod Harding, said the Lord Mayor and his council had questions to answer about the direct land deal.’