Have Your Say on the Draft Leasing and Licensing Policy

Published on 24 January 2024

Council is seeking community feedback on a draft Leasing and Licensing Policy.

Council's proposed draft Leasing and Licensing Policy aims to ensure we have a consistent and transparent approach to managing lease arrangements of Council's property portfolio.

These include Council-owned or managed land or buildings occupied by not-for-profit entities, community groups, First Nations groups, commercial businesses, and government agencies.

The draft policy categorises leases and licences into the following groups:

• Category A: Council Services / Community Purpose
• Category B: Community Partnerships
• Category C: Commercial
• Category D: Government Agencies

What is changing?

The proposed policy would mean the following changes to leases:

• Category A and B: rent will be charged at $104+GST per annum with Council sharing in gains from commercial-like income generated by the occupant. All maintenance responsibilities on existing agreements to remain unchanged at lease renewal. Council has increased its reporting requirements so it can have visibility on the benefits and programs provided to the community.
• Categories C and D: will be charged commercial rent rates.

This proposed policy would not affect any current leases, it will only come into effect at the time a lease is up for renewal.

This draft policy would not apply to seasonal ground licences, agreements on sporting facilities and pavilions and casual hall hire.

We will be seeking community input on the draft policy from January to March 2024 including through targeted outreach sessions with community groups who lease Council-owned or managed properties.

Help us develop the new Leasing and Licensing Policy by providing your feedback.

Find out more or have your say until 18 March 2024 in your preferred language:

Have your say on Darebin's Draft Leasing and Licensing Policy