By Dominique Tassell
Two lots of land at Stanthorpe Aerodrome have been approved to be sold off, with a combined profit of $90,000 for Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC).
SDRC is the owner of a number of freehold parcels of land located at 320 Aerodrome Road, Applethorpe. The land is vacant and is zoned as Community Facilities.
The sale of two of these lots, lot 4 and lot 26, was approved by councillors at the recent Ordinary Council Meeting.
SDRC officers obtained a valuation for the vacant land on 3 March 2021.
Lot 26 was valued at $35,000 (excluding GST) and is encumbered by an easement burdening the land for drainage to benefit Council’s adjoining land, the two other easements benefiting the land for access, power, communications and water.
Lot 4 was valued at $50,000 (excluding GST) and is encumbered by an easement burdening the land for electricity supply and two other easements benefiting the land for access, power, communications and water.
It was noted in the agenda that the last valuation of this land is from more than twelve months ago, however, advice received from SDRC’s contracted valuers stated that “although the general residential and rural property market has risen substantially in recent times, it is prudent to note that the market for community facilities/aerodrome land is typically thinly traded to a select number of potential purchasers”.
An offer of $37,500 (excluding GST) has been made to purchase Lot 26. The offer is unconditional.
An offer of $52,500 (excluding GST) has been made to purchase Lot 4.
Cr Stephen Tancred stated that this aligned with SDRC’s policy of supporting further development at the aerodrome, and asked exactly what the land would be developed for.
Staff stated they would have to go back and find out this information.
Cr Tancred noted the development of the aerodrome was controversial at first, but it was good to see the area “filling in”.
“It’s good to see that people are wanting to come to Stanthorpe and Warwick and park their planes.”
