Elderly man saves his home from compulsory acquisition: ‘Such a huge relief’

Here at the SDC, we understand how challenging it can be for the elderly to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes throughout their lives.

That’s why we always celebrate when stories like this come out.


A 93-year-old man in Brisbane, Trevor Connolly, faced the distressing news that he had until Christmas to vacate his home due to a government acquisition plan.

This request has left the man upset and confused. According to him, he wishes to enjoy his final years in the property that holds decades' worth of special memories.

‘The thought of moving out... I don't like the thought of moving out,’ Connolly said. ‘Where can you go after 60 years? You got 60 years of your life here.’ You can read more about this story here.

However, a reprieve came as the state government, responding to public outcry, decided to halt the eviction and demolition of his Coorparoo home.

Trevor, who has lived there for 60 years, can now continue to reside in his cherished home for the remainder of his life.

‘When we found out this morning, it was just such a huge relief,’ Anne, Connolly’s daughter, told reporters.

On Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk affirmed the news, expressing: ‘We don’t want to cause this gentleman any anxiety’.

‘The Department of Education and Premier’s (Department) will find a solution ... But there will be no forced eviction,’ she added.


Connolly, a widower grappling with dementia, received the news that the state government planned to acquire his land.

The purpose was to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate to accommodate the construction of an Olympic stadium.

‘Talk about being on cloud seven. I was more or less on cloud seventy. The relief,’ Connolly remarked.

Connolly brought up his children in the house, the sole residential lot on a street dominated by businesses. It stands out as the only property served with a resumption notice.

‘He can now relax...knowing he can spend out his time in the only home he’s ever known,’ his daughter said.

You can watch the news coverage below:


Video source: YouTube/A Current Affair

Legal avenues available to homeowners facing compulsory acquisition

While compulsory acquisition may seem like a roadblock for homeowners, it’s important to know that there are legal options and potential lifelines that can make a significant difference.

Every homeowner should be aware that the acquiring authority, whether it’s the government or a private enterprise, is legally obligated to negotiate the terms of acquisition.

This involves not only assessing the property’s value but also considering factors such as the emotional attachment to a long-term home and the accumulating relocation costs.

Should the property owner find the offered price unsatisfactory, they possess the right to request an independent valuation to guarantee fair compensation.

It’s important to note that the government’s goal in acquisition should prioritise the public’s welfare rather than filling the public treasury, steering clear of profiting from a distressed asset.


Additionally, property owners possess a valuable resource: time.

There is a minimum notice period before the acquisition can occur, providing homeowners with the opportunity to negotiate and plan.

Many homeowners seek help from property rights lawyers to navigate this complex process.
Key Takeaways

  • An elderly Brisbane man, Trevor Connolly, who faced eviction and the demolition of his home, has received a reprieve from the state government.
  • Connolly got a compulsory acquisition letter in mid-October, but public outcry led the government to permit him to stay in his home.
  • Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed there will be no forced eviction for Connolly, who has resided in his home for 60 years.
  • Initially, Connolly’s property was slated for acquisition to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate due to the construction of an Olympic stadium.
Members, what do you think of this story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
 
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Here at the SDC, we understand how challenging it can be for the elderly to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes throughout their lives.

That’s why we always celebrate when stories like this come out.


A 93-year-old man in Brisbane, Trevor Connolly, faced the distressing news that he had until Christmas to vacate his home due to a government acquisition plan.

This request has left the man upset and confused. According to him, he wishes to enjoy his final years in the property that holds decades' worth of special memories.

‘The thought of moving out... I don't like the thought of moving out,’ Connolly said. ‘Where can you go after 60 years? You got 60 years of your life here.’ You can read more about this story here.

However, a reprieve came as the state government, responding to public outcry, decided to halt the eviction and demolition of his Coorparoo home.

Trevor, who has lived there for 60 years, can now continue to reside in his cherished home for the remainder of his life.

‘When we found out this morning, it was just such a huge relief,’ Anne, Connolly’s daughter, told reporters.

On Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk affirmed the news, expressing: ‘We don’t want to cause this gentleman any anxiety’.

‘The Department of Education and Premier’s (Department) will find a solution ... But there will be no forced eviction,’ she added.


Connolly, a widower grappling with dementia, received the news that the state government planned to acquire his land.

The purpose was to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate to accommodate the construction of an Olympic stadium.

‘Talk about being on cloud seven. I was more or less on cloud seventy. The relief,’ Connolly remarked.

Connolly brought up his children in the house, the sole residential lot on a street dominated by businesses. It stands out as the only property served with a resumption notice.

‘He can now relax...knowing he can spend out his time in the only home he’s ever known,’ his daughter said.

You can watch the news coverage below:


Video source: YouTube/A Current Affair

Legal avenues available to homeowners facing compulsory acquisition

While compulsory acquisition may seem like a roadblock for homeowners, it’s important to know that there are legal options and potential lifelines that can make a significant difference.

Every homeowner should be aware that the acquiring authority, whether it’s the government or a private enterprise, is legally obligated to negotiate the terms of acquisition.

This involves not only assessing the property’s value but also considering factors such as the emotional attachment to a long-term home and the accumulating relocation costs.

Should the property owner find the offered price unsatisfactory, they possess the right to request an independent valuation to guarantee fair compensation.

It’s important to note that the government’s goal in acquisition should prioritise the public’s welfare rather than filling the public treasury, steering clear of profiting from a distressed asset.


Additionally, property owners possess a valuable resource: time.

There is a minimum notice period before the acquisition can occur, providing homeowners with the opportunity to negotiate and plan.

Many homeowners seek help from property rights lawyers to navigate this complex process.
Key Takeaways

  • An elderly Brisbane man, Trevor Connolly, who faced eviction and the demolition of his home, has received a reprieve from the state government.
  • Connolly got a compulsory acquisition letter in mid-October, but public outcry led the government to permit him to stay in his home.
  • Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed there will be no forced eviction for Connolly, who has resided in his home for 60 years.
  • Initially, Connolly’s property was slated for acquisition to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate due to the construction of an Olympic stadium.
Members, what do you think of this story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Note to these council/government enabled corporate bully boys . THINK before you ACT! The public are intolerant, vigilant AND defiant; and will DEFEND an Elder where you CONTRIBUTE to their twilight years anxieties with intimidatory and unAustralian neglect of duty of care. You owe Trevor an apology, AND a display of restorative CARE! Best Wishes and much happiness to Trevor 🩷
 
If you own your home then you shouldn't be made move , the government should work around these homes . It's ok to make a generous offer but you should be able to decline.

I had a conversation the other day with my daughter. Her father inlaw is in a housing commission, has a three bedroom home and now lives by himself . He has lived there for nearly 40 years and they now want to downsize him.

I told my daughter I understand that, but it's not his house, it belongs to the dep of housing. It helped him while his 3 boys grew up but now with so many families needing a house then it's fair he is downsized. As long as they keep him in the area ect . He has a huge backyard and 3 large bedrooms with only him living in it. They aren't kicking him out they are just downsizing so another family can live comfortably.
 
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Here at the SDC, we understand how challenging it can be for the elderly to maintain their independence and stay in their own homes throughout their lives.

That’s why we always celebrate when stories like this come out.


A 93-year-old man in Brisbane, Trevor Connolly, faced the distressing news that he had until Christmas to vacate his home due to a government acquisition plan.

This request has left the man upset and confused. According to him, he wishes to enjoy his final years in the property that holds decades' worth of special memories.

‘The thought of moving out... I don't like the thought of moving out,’ Connolly said. ‘Where can you go after 60 years? You got 60 years of your life here.’ You can read more about this story here.

However, a reprieve came as the state government, responding to public outcry, decided to halt the eviction and demolition of his Coorparoo home.

Trevor, who has lived there for 60 years, can now continue to reside in his cherished home for the remainder of his life.

‘When we found out this morning, it was just such a huge relief,’ Anne, Connolly’s daughter, told reporters.

On Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk affirmed the news, expressing: ‘We don’t want to cause this gentleman any anxiety’.

‘The Department of Education and Premier’s (Department) will find a solution ... But there will be no forced eviction,’ she added.


Connolly, a widower grappling with dementia, received the news that the state government planned to acquire his land.

The purpose was to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate to accommodate the construction of an Olympic stadium.

‘Talk about being on cloud seven. I was more or less on cloud seventy. The relief,’ Connolly remarked.

Connolly brought up his children in the house, the sole residential lot on a street dominated by businesses. It stands out as the only property served with a resumption notice.

‘He can now relax...knowing he can spend out his time in the only home he’s ever known,’ his daughter said.

You can watch the news coverage below:


Video source: YouTube/A Current Affair

Legal avenues available to homeowners facing compulsory acquisition

While compulsory acquisition may seem like a roadblock for homeowners, it’s important to know that there are legal options and potential lifelines that can make a significant difference.

Every homeowner should be aware that the acquiring authority, whether it’s the government or a private enterprise, is legally obligated to negotiate the terms of acquisition.

This involves not only assessing the property’s value but also considering factors such as the emotional attachment to a long-term home and the accumulating relocation costs.

Should the property owner find the offered price unsatisfactory, they possess the right to request an independent valuation to guarantee fair compensation.

It’s important to note that the government’s goal in acquisition should prioritise the public’s welfare rather than filling the public treasury, steering clear of profiting from a distressed asset.


Additionally, property owners possess a valuable resource: time.

There is a minimum notice period before the acquisition can occur, providing homeowners with the opportunity to negotiate and plan.

Many homeowners seek help from property rights lawyers to navigate this complex process.
Key Takeaways

  • An elderly Brisbane man, Trevor Connolly, who faced eviction and the demolition of his home, has received a reprieve from the state government.
  • Connolly got a compulsory acquisition letter in mid-October, but public outcry led the government to permit him to stay in his home.
  • Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed there will be no forced eviction for Connolly, who has resided in his home for 60 years.
  • Initially, Connolly’s property was slated for acquisition to create a drop-off zone for the new East Brisbane State School, which had to relocate due to the construction of an Olympic stadium.
Members, what do you think of this story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

I'm glad to hear that your problem has been resolved fairly Mr Connolly
 
If you own your home then you shouldn't be made move , the government should work around these homes . It's ok to make a generous offer but you should be able to decline.

I had a conversation the other day with my daughter. Her father inlaw is in a housing commission, has a three bedroom home and now lives by himself . He has lived there for nearly 40 years and they now want to downsize him.

I told my daughter I understand that, but it's not his house, it belongs to the dep of housing. It helped him while his 3 boys grew up but now with so many families needing a house then it's fair he is downsized. As long as they keep him in the area ect . He has a huge backyard and 3 large bedrooms with only him living in it. They aren't kicking him out they are just downsizing so another family can live comfortably.
Totally agree it's not his house he has had the privilege of living there for a long time, but relocate him to the same area he is familiar with.
 
Just goes to show it's not a government for the people or by the people.
These white collar tyrants who rule with a pen have no idea what it is like to get by when you reach the golden years. It's like the queen in Alice in Wonderland.......off with his head.
It's a miracle this terrible experience didn't finish this man off. It is an absolute disgrace that a once in a blue moon sporting event can be end of someone's life as he knows it, or in fact, life itself.
I am glad this has been resolved, however, it should never have gotten this far.
 
Just goes to show it's not a government for the people or by the people.
These white collar tyrants who rule with a pen have no idea what it is like to get by when you reach the golden years. It's like the queen in Alice in Wonderland.......off with his head.
It's a miracle this terrible experience didn't finish this man off. It is an absolute disgrace that a once in a blue moon sporting event can be end of someone's life as he knows it, or in fact, life itself.
I am glad this has been resolved, however, it should never have gotten this far.
Well said !
 
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Reactions: Ezzy and Annna
Good to bring this story on A Current Affair and now Trevor can stay in his house hopefully for some happy years.
It was not Anastacia , she was pressed , her popularity is going down big time . She has not a caring bone in her body and only thinks of the Olympics , which is her baby and want Brisbane to look top notch for the world .
 
  • Like
Reactions: Annna
A Man's Home is his Castle......you are completely safe now Trevor......the Battlements are full with the troops from the General Public's armed forces.

Enjoy the rest of your Life, Sir. 😉
 

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