The federal forests have partly awarded pieces of land without a tender and therefore below the achievable market price. This shows criticism of the Court of Auditors with a focus on real estate sales in Salzburg. The area of the chalet village “Six Senses”, which is being built at Pass Thurn, is also affected.
At Pass Thurn in Mittersill, construction work is underway for the controversial luxury complex “Six Senses”. In addition to a hotel, four apartment buildings with 45 apartments and 15 chalets for use as a second home are also being built. The building – right next to the protected Wasenmoos – was purchased by the operator in 2015 from the Federal Forestry Commission. At a ridiculous price, as the Court of Audit has shown: the 43,502 square meter space was sold for 2.45 million euros, or 56.36 euros per square meter. According to the Court, the deal, contrary to internal regulations, was based on “neither a public offer for the sale nor expert advice”.
Municipality wanted area development
The “Krone” already reported on this explosive deal in 2019. At the time, the Bundeswalden stated that the sale had already been bindingly agreed in 2003 and that it was also the express wish of the municipality in the interest of regional development.
The Court also looked at other land sales in Salzburg by Bundesforste: “No concept for the future use of the property” had been drawn up for the granting of superficies rights for 99 years for a 3,366 square meter property in Zell am See.
Access despite the low usage fee
In the case of the Liechtenstein Gorge in the municipality of St. Johann im Pongau, the federal forests did not use the operator’s income as the basis for calculating the usage fee, but only the value of the rock surfaces. The user fee was therefore only 4000 euros per year. In 2016, about 210,000 people visited the canyon, paying between five and eleven euros for entry.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
