Have Your Say on Draft Leasing and Licencing Policy for Community Organisations

Ensuring that Council provides a structured, transparent framework for the leasing and licensing of Council owned and controlled properties to community organisations is the aim of a draft policy currently out for public comment.

The draft Leasing and Licensing Policy for Community Organisations and associated Guidelines will go on public exhibition from November 5 until December 17 2018.

“Council maintains a significant portfolio of leases and licences to various community organisations. The draft policy and guidelines enables us to make significant improvements for the long term sustainability of community facilities, whilst acknowledging the valuable contribution that community groups make,” said Mark Griffioen, Council’s Group Leader Financial Services and Logistics.

“Council encourages the community to give feedback on the policy and guidelines during the exhibition period.”

The draft Leasing and Licensing Policy for Community Organisations and associated Guidelines seeks to establish a formalised process for the assessment of the contribution of community groups relative to Council’s Community Strategic Plan. The Guidelines support the Policy to ensure that all tenures are transparent and equitable.

The Policy establishes the basis for joint responsibility, and provides a structured approach to assistance through the leasing arrangements.

It further seeks to establish a formalised system to quantify Council’s contribution to such groups through the provision of subsidised rents.

The guidelines support the policy by:

• Guideline for Assessment of Rental for Community Tenants – outlines the process for the determination of rental applicable to community organisations occupying Council owned/controlled properties. • Guideline for Conditions of Tenure for Community Organisations – provides a structured, transparent framework for the leasing and licensing of Council owned/controlled properties.

The draft Policy and associated Guidelines can be viewed at haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Draft-Leasing-Licencing-Policy Council’s Customer Service Centre and libraries.