A controversial plan by the Uniting Church to sell off vacant land in Tallebudgera has stalled as the church launches a cultural heritage probe.
The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q.) has confirmed discussions are underway with Traditional Owners regarding the proposed subdivision at 41 Trees Rd.
A spokesperson for the Uniting Church Queensland Synod said they were investigating the site’s history following fierce resident backlash.
Tallebudgera Uniting Church’s then-pastor Ken Anderson celebrating 127 years since the church opened. Pic Tim Marsden
“We are in conversation with Kombumerri representatives to find out more about the cultural significance of the site,” the spokesperson said.
“We recognise the importance of respectful engagement with Traditional Owners as this work progresses.”
The church is recognised as the Gold Coast’s oldest still remaining in its original position
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The proposed development had been the subject of significant community opposition, with residents voicing concerns over planned tree clearing to make way for the subdivision.
Despite a recent community update letter from the church claiming the application had “no impacts to protected habitats identified”, locals maintain the site is an active habitat regularly used by endangered koalas.
Responding to a post on a community forum, other concerns were raised over the site’s environmental value and claims Aboriginal warriors were buried on the block.
The cultural heritage probe comes just weeks after the church announced the property was coming to market in a letter to nearby residents dated June 4.
Locals claim the area is regularly used by koalas
The letter included contact details for the real estate agent appointed to handle an expression of interest campaign for three residential lots expected to launch this month.
PRD Real Estate Burleigh Heads confirmed the campaign was on hold, noting the agency had been appointed to sell the block as a whole, rather than three individual lots.
City of Gold Coast council records show a “stop the current period in place” action was recently lodged, putting the brakes on the original development application for the subdivision and tree works.
The church declined the comment further, stating “we are continuing to work through matters relating to this project and are not in a position to provide detailed responses at this stage”.
Council’s final decision remains pending while the DA is paused.
A rare listing of a vacant parcel of land nearby is now under contract
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