East Gippsland Shire Council is proposing to sell some Council-owned land identified as surplus to operational requirements as part of its ongoing commitment to responsible asset management and long-term financial sustainability.
General Manager Assets and Environment Stuart McConnell said the proposal aligns with Council’s commitment to managing community assets responsibly and ensuring public resources are used efficiently.
“Council has a responsibility to regularly review its property portfolio and ensure that land holdings continue to meet community and organisational needs," Mr McConnell said.
Where land is identified as being no longer required for Council purposes, it is appropriate to consider whether it can be returned to productive use while generating funds that can be reinvested into community services, infrastructure and priority projects.
No decision has been made regarding the sale of any land.
A report is expected to be presented to a future Council Meeting that will identify properties that could be offered for sale. Should Council resolve to sell surplus properties, the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback as part of a community engagement process. Details of any proposed land sales, including the affected parcels and engagement opportunities, will be made publicly available.
“Depending on the circumstances of each parcel of land, land may be offered through a public tender process or through direct negotiations with adjoining landowners where this represents the most practical and beneficial outcome,” Mr McConnell said.
This proposal aligns with Council's development of a Financial Sustainability Strategy to address forecast pressures on its finances and guide decisions over the coming decade. This includes a need to actively manage Council’s asset portfolio, optimise asset performance, and explore opportunities to strengthen Council’s long-term financial position.
Funds generated through the sale of surplus land can assist Council in reducing costs associated with holding underutilised assets and help support the delivery of essential services and infrastructure for the community.
Financial sustainability is an ongoing pressure not just for East Gippsland but for councils across Victoria and Australia. The financial sustainability strategy is an important part of how Council responds to that challenge.