NAMBUCCA Valley Council still has no policy regarding the selling of council-owned land assets after a new draft policy prepared by staff was knocked back by councillors at the 20 August general meeting.
Councillor Jane Smith said she could not support the new draft Land Disposal and Acquisition Policy unless it includes specifications that land is bought and sold through a transparent process where independent valuations are sought and there is a requirement for due diligence.
Cr Smith moved a lengthy motion which called for a report to councillors exploring the feasibility of amending the policy.
According to Cr Smith’s motion, the policy should include a requirement for a “report to Council for the acquisition of land including details of the long-term maintenance costs, any outcome of a due diligence investigation, and an independent valuation where needed”.
As for land sales, Cr Smith said these “should occur through a competitive open market process including expressions of interest, auctions or use of external real estate agents”.
“Any proposal to sell land through other means must be authorised by a council resolution,” she said.
“I brought this up initially when the land disposal policy came to the table. They are still not included in the policy so that is why I’m bringing it to council to include in the policy. It’s just due diligence and (the requirement for an) open transparent competitive process,” Cr Smith maintained.
Council General Manager Bede Spanagle objected to the motion, stating it “has financial implications and hasn’t been assessed by staff”.
“We’re of the belief that we do those things already,” Mr Spanagle said.
Councillors called for a deferral on the new policy and asked for a report into the cost of including Cr Smith’s requirements in a new Land Acquisition and Disposal Policy.
Several years ago, land in Hill Street, Nambucca Heads was sold to an adjoining property resulting in a lengthy battle involving neighbours and council.
The sale meant a larger development could be permitted on the site, impacting surrounding properties.
Councillors at the time maintained they were not given enough details to fully consider the implications of the land disposal.
By Ned COWIE
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