Draft Road and Reserve Discontinuance and Sale Policy

Why is the Policy necessary?

Council is responsible for many parcels of land that have been set aside for roads or drainage reserves. A policy is required for the processes and strategy associated with discontinuance and sale of parcels of land. This Policy replaces the out-of-date 2020 Policy.

The Policy has been developed to provide best practice management of the discontinuance and disposal of unused road and reserve parcels.

The Policy has been broadened to include drainage reserves and revenge strip parcels but does not include open space or public recreation reserves.

The Property Strategy Implementation Plan requires a new Policy to be prepared and provided in 2025.

Purpose

This Policy aims to ensure that Council:

  • Applies a consistent, fair, and transparent process to the discontinuance and sale of roads and reserves.
  • Meets all legislative and best practice requirements when managing these transactions.
  • Makes strategic decisions that support the long-term interests of the community in relation to roads and reserves.

Read the Draft Road and Reserve Discontinuance and Sale Policy and provide your feedback below.

The Policy applies to:

  • Roads and reserves located within Bass Coast Shire.

The Policy doesn't apply:

  • To any other Council land held in freehold title or vested in Council.
  • Where a road or reserve is located on Crown land.

The previous Policy has been entirely replaced by this draft Policy. A summary of the changes are as follows:

  1. The inclusion of parcels other than road reserve parcels. The additional parcels future proof the Policy to provide a framework in circumstances where a Revenge Strip or Drainage Reserve is requested to be discontinued and sold.
  2. No fee has previously been set by Council for the work associated with an application to discontinue and sell a road parcel. The Policy introduces a fee of $1,650.00 inclusive of GST which will only be refunded where a sale is completed. The fee will be credited towards the sale price.
  3. The fee has been introduced to ensure that applicants have taken the recommended steps before a formal application is made.