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.
Members, what do you think of this story? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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.