The recently purchased land for the new Baldivis District Sporting Complex.
Camera IconThe recently purchased land for the new Baldivis District Sporting Complex. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rockingham Mayor denies ‘premium price’ paid for Baldivis sporting complex land

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

Councillor Matt Whitfield posted on a Baldivis Facebook page that the owners were “offered a premium price”.

But Cr Sammels dismissed Cr Whitfield’s comments.

“Cr Whitfield is not the spokesperson for the City; the landowners were not offered a premium price,” he said.

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“Negotiations in relation to the purchase were based upon valuations from expert qualified valuers.”

Cr Sammels would not name the independent valuation company.

“It is neither appropriate nor relevant to provide the name of the valuation company,” he said.

“The purchase price was undertaken in line with all relevant provisions of the Local Government Act and overseen by the City’s general counsel.”

Cr Whitfield acknowledged he could not comment for the City about the purchase.

Long-term Baldivis resident Tegan Den Ridder, who voiced her concerns about the sale on the Facebook page, felt Cr Whitfield’s comments were one-sided.

She said Cr Whitfield also posted that he had not seen any kangaroos in six visits to the site.

“We knew when we bought the home that it would be zoned semi-rural but now that has changed,” Ms Den Ridder said.

“Our concern are the many kangaroos and native birds, not to mention the dust and noise from construction and from people playing sports later on.

“I’m not happy; I felt Cr Whitfield didn’t address our concerns and brushed us off with his response.”

Cr Whitfield invited her to contact him to further address her concerns.

Cr Sammels said the environmental approvals would be sought through the relevant State and, if necessary, Federal environmental agencies.

He said proper environmental process would be observed.

“The environmental assessment process required prior to any development of the site will include all necessary flora and fauna surveys and vegetation clearance permits,” Cr Sammels said.

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