Property Strategy 2025 - 2029

Bass Coast Community Vision 2041

• Celebrates vibrant townships rich with culture and distinct characters.
• Aims for a thriving and diverse economy supporting sustainable agriculture and industry.
• Emphasizes harmony with the environment, learning from First Peoples.
• Acknowledges Bunurong as Traditional Owners.

Acknowledgment of Country

• Recognizes the Bunurong as Traditional Owners.
• Commits to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Communities.

Diversity and Inclusion

• Ensures communications are welcoming and accessible to all, including CALD, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and all ages.

Gender Impact Assessment

• Completed under the Gender Equality Act 2020 for the Property Strategy.

Table of Contents

• Provides sections on definitions, purpose, background, guiding principles, property management, and more.

Definitions

• Committee of Management: Role of Council in managing Crown Land.
• Community Benefit: Providing services, participation growth, and environmental maintenance.
• Crown Land: Owned by the State of Victoria.
• Market Value: Estimated value for sale or lease.

Purpose

• To manage property strategically for community benefits and align with Bass Coast Community Vision 2041.

Background

• Located in south-eastern Victoria.
• Rural and residential area with major towns and industries in tourism and agriculture.
• Population growth necessitates additional facilities and infrastructure.

Guiding Principles

1. Consistency and Transparency
   • Supports transparency in decision-making as per the Public Transparency Policy.
2. Community Benefit
   • Aligns property management with Council's social objectives.
3. Financial Viability
   • Ensures best value in land dealings.
4. Statutory Compliance
   • Adheres to legislative requirements.

Property Management

• Acquisition
  • Strategic lens application for acquisition approvals.
• Use
  • Leasing goals prioritize community benefits or financial returns.
• Commercial
  • Competitive leasing processes for profit-driven occupants.
• Community
  • Subsidized leases for not-for-profit groups promoting social benefits.
• Processes
  • Licensing decisions per Local Government Act.
• Council as Tenant
  • Explores leasing to facilitate services where own properties are unsuitable.
• Crown Land
  • Managed for public value under Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Disposal

• Strategic lens for disposals requiring Council approval.

Road Discontinuance

• Requires public consultation and assessment for strategic benefit.

Maintenance

• Tenants required to maintain properties per schedule.

Implementation Plan

• Lists strategic objectives, guiding principles, and implementation dates.
• Includes maintaining a property register, updating policies, and identifying acquisition and disposal opportunities.

Related Council Policies

• Leasing and Licensing Policy
• Crown Land Policy
• Road Discontinuance Policy

Document Information

• Managed by Manager Major Projects and Property.
• Draft Property Strategy for 2025 - 2029.

Contact Information:

• Bass Coast Shire Council, Wonthaggi, VIC 3995
• 1300 BCOAST (226 278)
• basscoast.vic.gov.au