These properties:

• are no longer being used for a City service and have been identified as surplus to City requirements and;
• there are no future uses
• these sites have annual ongoing costs of maintenance
• there are no buildings on these sites.

If the Council votes that the properties are surplus to the City's needs, the properties will be sold.

The properties have been assessed with consideration to the current, and future demand of community, social, and recreation infrastructure. This is identified in City strategies and plans including our Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan 2019

The future growth of the neighbourhoods, as well as social and recreation infrastructure needs, are considered when determining what infrastructure is required locally.

At the time of the assessment these properties did not meet the needs and were deemed unsuitable for the current, or future, infrastructure and services delivered by the City.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, the City will obtain a valuation from a certified practicing valuer. They will assess the current market value of the individual properties, which will also consider the highest and best use of the property.

Funds from any sale will:

• be applied to the appropriate legislated Reserve fund depending on how each property was originally purchased
• set aside for future strategic land transactions and/or improvements to existing public open spaces

If the land is a public reserve/open space, moneys received will be allocated back into the appropriate account as required by the Public Open Space Contributions Policy and in accordance with the applicable acts and regulations.

When surplus property is sold by the City, transactions are planned, conducted and concluded in accordance with legislative requirements and achieve the objectives of the City including Sections 114 and 116 of the Local Government Act 2020.

The City must comply with a number of legislative requirements when disposing of property, these include (but not limited to):

• Local Government Act 2020
• Local Government Best Practice Guideline for the Sale, Exchange and Transfer of Land 2009
• as well as internal policies including the Assets and Surplus Land Disposal Policy 2017 and the Community Engagement Policy

Under the Local Government Act 2020, the City is required to undertake a community engagement process on a proposed sale of City owned land. This is in accordance with the City's Community Engagement Policy 2020.

All feedback received during this consultation will be reviewed and presented at a Council meeting for Councillors to consider in their decision of whether or not to sell each property.

Before each property can be put up for sale, it needs to be appropriately zoned. This will ensure that the ultimate use of the land is determined by that zone and the highest and best use is achieved.

We assess properties on whether they are suitable for services delivered by the City, this includes services like:

• libraries
• community hubs with bookable rooms
• recreation facilities
• family, and children services etc.

This does not include provision of community or recreational services or programs that are not directly delivered by City of Greater Bendigo.

Any properties that are protected by the heritage overlays, will mean any proposed redevelopment would need to have an assessment completed for the proposed development against the heritage overlay.

If a property will be affected by a heritage overlay it will be identified on the property page.