Leasing and Licensing

Leasing and Licensing

Northern Grampians Shire Council is responsible for a diverse portfolio of properties across the municipality. It manages council-owned properties and acts as the Committee of Management of several Crown Land Reserves under the Crown Land Reserves Act 1978.  

Most of these properties are utilised by the community or by organisations that provide a service to the community and the demand for facilities by community groups in the municipality is always increasing.   

Council’s property portfolio is managed to maximise usage for active programs and services that benefit the community in line with the strategic objectives outlined in the Council Plan.  

Our preferred occupancy agreements are in the form of leases, and licences.  

Before entering into any agreement, council must act in accordance with Section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, in conjunction with Council’s Community Engagement Policy. 

Facility Leasing Guidelines 

Council understands there are differences between the potential user groups wishing to enter into an occupancy agreement. To ensure that a consistent, transparent, equitable and fair process is administrated council has developed Facility Leasing Guidelines(PDF, 279KB). The guidelines are applicable to all properties owned and/or managed by council. 

The leasing and licensing process 

To enquire about or apply for a lease or licence for a council property, please contact Northern Grampians Shire Customer Service.  

When applying for a lease or licence, it is important to note that the more information you provide, the better we will be able to consider your application.  

After receiving your application, an internal review is undertaken, which can take up to 28 days. During this time, we will contract you to provide an update on your application or to seek further clarification, if required.  

When reviewing lease or licence applications, council must consider numerous factors. These include: 

  • Local Government Act 2020 Section 115 – Lease of Land 

  • Planning requirements (if applicable) 

  • Commercial and community outcomes 

  • Strategic Planning – future use 

  • Environmental impacts 

  • Any other matters in relation to the land 

 

What happens next?

First Stage 

After your application is received, an internal assessment will be undertaken to determine if the land is available.  

This can take 1-4 weeks, depending on the level of detail supplied in the application. Council will be in contact to inform you of property availability.  

Second Stage 

If the property is available, council will undergo its legislative requirements and seek endorsement via a Council meeting (if applicable), as well as seek approval from any required government agencies.  

A lease or licence agreement will then be drawn up and agreed to by all parties.  

This stage can take up to 20 weeks.    

 

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