Council is still developing the funding model for the Eildon Splash and Skate Park project, including the potential sale of two parcels of Council-owned land in Eildon.

There are a number of reasons we are looking at selling these two parcels of land, including:

• Council’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy (finalised in 2019 following extensive community consultation) identified an oversupply of under-used open space assets in Eildon township.
• Council has committed to making a $1.2 million financial contribution to the Eildon Splash and Skate Park project, which could include revenue from the proposed land sales.
• Surplus funds from the land sales would be retained for further investment in Eildon, including the Eildon Splash and Skate Park.
• The land sales would free up land for residential developments in Eildon which could, in part, address the current rental and housing shortage.
• The Eildon Splash and Skate Park project has been developed to improve the recreational offering for community and visitors to enable social and economic outcomes for Eildon’s revitalisation.

If the decision is made to proceed with the sale of land, to ensure transparency and best value, Council under guidance of the Local Government Act 2020 would sell the properties on the open market and provide the community with four weeks’ notice by a competitive public process. The land would need to be made ready for sale, with the connection of services and any other legal requirements. This process would take place from February 2023 and the community would be informed as progress is made.

If the decision is made to proceed with the sale of land, Council would obtain a valuation from a certified practicing valuer to assess the current market value of the individual land blocks, which would guide the sale price.

If the decision is made to proceed with the sale of land, proceeds will remain in Eildon for contribution to priority projects, including the Eildon Splash and Skate project.

Should Council resolve to sell the properties, the appropriate processes to prepare the land for sale will commence in February 2023. Officers would appoint a real estate agent to commence the marketing campaign at the point when the allotments are deemed ready for sale.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, Council is required to undertake a community engagement process on a proposed sale of Council owned land in accordance with its Community Engagement Policy. All feedback received during this consultation will be presented prior to the November Council Meeting for Councilors to consider and make a decision.

If the decision is made to proceed with the sale of land, we will begin the process of preparing land for sale, which includes the re-zoning of a section of the old Kindergarten site at 10 Eighth Street, Eildon.