Campaspe Shire Council has completed a comprehensive review of its properties within Echuca’s Port Precinct as well as adopting a revised commercial property leasing policy.
Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said council has agreed to retain ownership of all council freehold land and buildings, as well as ownership of all buildings on Crown Land where council has been appointed land manager within the port precinct.
“This decision now means we can progress the long term leasing of two council-owned buildings in the precinct in line with the revised policy,” Cr Weston said.
Council completed a Port Precinct Plan in 2018. The plan was developed in consultation with the community, where the community was asked to input into the future direction of the precinct.
“The plan, finalised in July 2018, sets the vision, ‘A place to take your time, relax and enjoy yourself’, as well as four strategic objectives. This now drives any future actions, ensuring they link back to the Port Precinct Plan,” Cr Weston said.
“In June 2018, council asked for a comprehensive review of council-owned land and buildings within the precinct. This review included an assessment of each property rental, its term, current use of the property, financial overview and management models.”
Key principles were also established for retaining ownership of current properties within the port precinct, including:
- Preservation of historic council buildings
- Maintaining the heritage of the precinct
- Promotion of tourism and economic development
- Support social and cultural outcomes
- Balance the ability to generate an economic return with the use of the buildings
“These principles support and align to the Port Precinct Plan and enable council to contribute to achieving the plan’s vision,” Cr Weston said.
The adopted policy for commercial leasing sets out a standard process for dealing with leases to ensure they are consistent, transparent and impartial, as well as maximising council’s return. It also separates out assessing properties in Echuca’s Port Precinct from other properties in the shire, to ensure the criteria for precinct leases links back to the Port Precinct Plan.
“With a revised policy in place, council will soon start the Expression of Interest process of two council-owned buildings within the precinct, Telley House (51 Murray Esplanade) and the Customs House (2 Leslie Street),” Cr Weston said.
Telley House is currently vacant and a lease will be offered through to April 2027. Customs House will be vacant shortly, with a lease to be offered through to 2040.
