AN ICONIC Tamborine Mountain property will be auctioned later this month, signifying what could be the end of a dream for Tamborine Mountain Arts Precinct (TMAP).
Scenic Rim Regional Council purchased the former Mount Tamborine Vineyard and Winery located at 122 Long Road in 2022 for $6.4 million, borrowing $3.075 million.
Council subsequently sub-divided the property to with the intention of selling part of it to repay the debt, leaving a portion to be developed into car parking to service Gallery Walk.
In November 2023, Councillors voted to delay the sale of the property.
TMAP was formed as a not for profit group and has been trying to raise funds to turn the former winery into an arts centre, stating it will reinvigorate the popular Gallery Walk tourist destination.
However they have not been successful in raising the funds required.
At a meeting on May 22, 2024, Council voted in favour of offering the property for sale by way of public auction either at completion of the building rectification works to repair storm damage; or not later than November 30, 2024.
The public auction has now been set down for November 22, 2024.
TMAP President, John Tardy, expressed his disappointment with the decision by Council to go ahead with the auction, saying TMAP has been trying to meet with Mayor Tom Sharp to discuss the project.
Tardy said he has been informed Council is unable to discuss the project with him further now the auction date has been set, due to their stance on ‘talking to buyers’.
He sought support from the State Government and the opposition prior to the election to assist TMAP in making the project a reality and requested the auction of the property be delayed once again.
TMAP is urging SRRC to work with the new LNP State government to find a solution that keeps the property under local ownership.
“We urge the Mayor and Council to pause the auction, engage constructively with state leaders, and pursue a solution that retains this vital piece of infrastructure for their community,” Tardy stated.
The former Mountain Tamborine Vineyard and Winery located at 122 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain is to be sold by Public Auction at 10am Friday November 22, 2024 in-rooms at Level 26, 111 Eagle Street, Brisbane.
For further information, contact Ed Dalton 0418 186 880 or Louis Bartle 0491 642 980.
