Maitland City Council rescinds Clift Street park sale

Maitland City Council has unanimously voted to rescind a resolution to sell the Clift Street parkland following legal advice that the land is classified as community land and cannot be sold. General Manager Jeff Smith stated that a 1950 land transfer was not properly formalised, meaning council ownership only officially commenced in September 1997. Because the parcel is classified as community land, it is ineligible for sale.

The decision follows a months-long campaign by local residents, including the group Save Clift Street Park, who challenged the council’s ownership records. The announcement led to a contentious extraordinary council meeting characterized by bitter exchanges between councillors regarding the handling of the matter.

While some councillors accused others of dismissing community concerns, others criticized the delay in rescinding the sale. An amendment was passed calling for the general manager to investigate the council’s processes for identifying, assessing, and disposing of land before proposals reach the property advisory panel.