Ron Medich lists NSW South Coast development site with claimed Michael McGurk interest
Beachlands, the 1.19 hectare hilltop acreage site set between Gerringong and Gerroa on the NSW South Coast, has been listed for sale.
It is owned by the property developer Ron Medich who hoped the acreage would be able to be developed on the unfortunately named Crooked River Road holding.
Set 90 mins from Sydney, the slightly undulating land has views over the surrounding countryside towards Walkers Beach across the nearby (pictured within marketing ) golf course.
"This is truly a dream location to build a stunning home with plenty of room for a home business or small agricultural set up," the Dick Payne First National marketing says.
It has been listed for July 6 auction. The property is owned by Ron Medich Properties Pty Ltd, however the title has a 2009 caveat from the widow of Michael McGurk, Kimberley McGurk claiming a 50% legal interest in the land.
"The site would also suit further development for farm stay or B&B style accommodation," says the marketing.
"Blocks this size, this close to town are as rare as hens teeth," it says without any reference to what was once mooted as having multi-unit development potential.
It cost $2.19 million in 2007 when sold through Dick Payne First National which is directed now by Jason Stalgis. Kiama Council sold it in 2002 for $1.12 million shortly after a fire to the old homestead. The two towns are among the more scenic on the south coast, although council has allowed the encroachment of the town onto the diary cattle pastures.
In 2010 there was a five month investigation which found no evidence to support allegations of corruption against public officials, ministers, MPs, or council officials involving several properties in Medich's portfolio.
The claims were raised after the 2009 murder of the business associate Michael McGurk.
The Independent Commission against Corruption heard segments of a tape where Medich and McGurk discussed their reputed connections for obtaining development consent for the Gerroa property.
"If you think that your connections are better, then you should use your connections," Mr McGurk is heard saying.
"Yeah, but you still got to pay 'em though," Medich replied.
"They don't do it for nothing."
Medich subsequently denied he had paid anyone, or indeed even had connections with the NSW public servants whom he had actually never met.
Gerroa's last acreage sale was when 75 hectares sold earlier this year on Beirnfels Lane for $2.8 million to Warilla developer David Arapali. The farmland had sold for $2.775 million in 2003. David Arapali also spent $2.3 million this year to buy a 54 hectare Gerringong farm property previously sold for $2.8 million in 2003.
There was a $5.03 million Crooked River Road sale last year of a 21 hectare private retreat property to Code Monkey Investments, which is associated with the Richardson family of Cronulla.
