East Gippsland Shire Council has advised voluntary Crown land committees of management (CoM) that it will stop providing insurance coverage for Crown-owned assets.

After careful consideration, the decision was made as part of an ongoing review into the appropriate allocation of Council resources. It is effective from 1 July 2025.

The decision to remove insurance applies to 43 Crown (State Government) assets across the shire, ranging from public toilets, halls, and storage sheds through to pavilions, and provides Council and ratepayers with a saving of more than $57,000.

The decision is consistent with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)’s Committee of Management Guidelines (April 2024), which confirm that Council is not obligated to insure state-owned assets.

Council does not and cannot provide public liability insurance to CoMs.

General Manager Place and Community Chris Stephenson said the change is part of ensuring Council is managing its resources well.

“The decision to stop providing insurance cover will not impact on the range of other supports Council provides to Crown land committees,” Chris said.

“Committees receiving annual allocations from us will receive their 2025-26 funding as usual. We are also maintaining our current commitments to ground maintenance for DEECA facilities where we have agreements in place and will continue to offer strategic and maintenance advice where needed.

“This is a $95,000 commitment from Council to assist committees for assets that are state-owned. We know many other councils are not providing this support.”

Voluntary Crown land reserve committees of management with insurance-related questions should contact DEECA on 136 186.

For general support, Council’s Community Facilities team can be contacted on 03 5153 9500 or via feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

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