ROCKDALE Council has received a $48 million offer for its Chapel Street car park and housing site but the deal could stall without the support of Liberal councillors.
The offer, from what the council describes as a "reputable developer," was significantly higher than the $35 million-$40 million expected.
The funds from the sale would be used to fund major projects including $9 million for the Rockdale City Library, $16.7 million for the Rockdale City Aquatic Centre, $10 million for 165 new town centre parking spots and $8 million to replace failed infrastructure and improve community facilities.
A report on the sale will be discussed at the October 15 council meeting but needs the support of at least one Liberal councillor.
All six Liberal councillors have been absent from council meetings in recent weeks.
Mayor Shane O'Brien has called on all councillors to attend the next meeting to have their say.
"All of these projects can be fully funded without the need to borrow one single cent," he said.
"The only requirement now is the will of the council to deliver a better city for our community.
"I have outlined the items I think should be considered by this unexpected opportunity.
"I invite all councillors to consider the needs of their constituents and offer any suggestions at our next meeting.
"The only reason this $63.5 million capital works program won't be delivered debt-free to Rockdale will be if every Liberal councillor and Councillor Nagi refuse to attend [the meeting].
"If just one councillor from their number attends, the progress of our city will be assured."
Liberal councillor Petros Kalligas said the sale was a confidential matter and the decision to support the sale would be a private one.
"We would judge everything on its merits, like we always do," he said.
"But we do have serious concerns on the integrity of the process."
Councillors’ absence puts projects on hold
THE future of Rockdale’s biggest projects are in limbo after all six Liberal councillors and an independent failed to appear at last week’s council meeting.
Mayor Shane O’Brien said it was one of a number of meetings which the Liberal councillors had not attended.
Without a quorum it meant that decisions on the Rockdale Town Centre planning proposal and Bexley pool development were put on hold.
‘‘For consecutive meetings they have refused to attend,’’ he said.
‘‘They are holding this council to ransom and they have no explanation of what they’re protesting.
‘‘Investment in Rockdale is being put in jeopardy; it’s a very shameful day for Rockdale Liberal councillors.’’
Independent councillor Michael Nagi said serious health problems had stopped him attending.
‘‘I’ve been taken to St George Hospital, and provided that evidence to the general manager,’’ Cr Nagi said.
Liberal councillor Petros Kalligas denied that the councillors’ lack of attendance was a deliberate move to stall projects.
‘‘We reserve the right to act as we see fit,’’ he said. ‘‘We are compliant with all the rules and regulations that govern councillors.’’
Councillors earn $17,197 a year to represent their wards.
Brighton-Le-sands resident Evelyn Collaro has attended every council meeting since 2009 and said the no-shows were a disgrace.
‘‘People would be absolutely shocked to see what goes on at council meetings,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s been very frustrating that when big projects come up they’re not even being discussed; at least have a discussion about it.’’
Do you think the offer would be good for the Rockdale Council area?
