By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
THE Casey Council intends to sell land in Narre Warren to reduce the amount of borrowed money for Bunjil Place.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, the Casey Council has published its notice of intention to sell the land currently occupied by the Casey Lifestyle Centre and Percy Trewin Annexe (PTA) on the corner of the Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road and the Princes Highway.
But the idea is open for resident submissions via mail or personal drop off until 5 September.
Casey mayor Sam Aziz said the proposal would free up funds to be reinvested into securing land for future community infrastructure.
“The council’s Property Strategy provides a framework to guide the acquisition, leasing, use, maintenance and disposal of council-owned land,” Cr Aziz said.
“The council undertook an audit of its 3000 properties through its Property Strategy and identified that the land occupied by Casey Lifestyle Centre and PTA is now surplus to council’s needs and the market conditions are favourable to sell them.”
The proceeds from the sales are proposed to be used to reduce the council’s borrowings for the construction of Bunjil Place and to secure land for future community infrastructure.
Cr Aziz said the council could not speculate on the future use of the land proposed for sale, however some conditions apply.
“The council’s Fountain Gate – Narre Warren CBD Structure Plan identifies both sites as being part of a wider business park precinct into the future,” he said.
“A condition of sale will ensure the council’s operations at the PTA can remain until they are relocated to Bunjil Place in late-2017.
“At the Casey Lifestyle Centre, the head leasee manages the individual leases with the current tenants.”
The proposed sale follows a public procurement process comprising a registration of capabilities followed by an invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI).
The council said that they have already undertaken an EOI process.
The final decision on the sale will be made on 13 September, following the public consultation period.
Residents wanting to make a submission must do so in writing by 5 September and submit in person at the City of Casey Civic Centre.
Or they can post their submission to Mr Mike Tyler, Chief Executive Officer, Casey City Council, PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, Vic, 3805.
