New licence for community organisations in community buildings

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Council is introducing a new licence for community organisations in community buildings and invites the community to have their say on the draft licence.

The licence is intended to provide secure tenancy for community organisations occupying Council’s community buildings, for the next four years. These licences will replace old occupancy agreements, many of which have expired.

Council is committed to supporting local community services in the non-profit sector through these subsidised rental premises and will use the same licence for all community organisations, ensuring security and equity for organisations occupying Council buildings.

No rent will be charged for the four-year licence term but occupants will be expected to contribute to outgoings, such as electricity, water and phone charges incurred by operation of the organisation’s service. Having occupants contribute to outgoings is in line with Council’s 2013 resolution.

Council will work with groups not already paying outgoings to transition to a point where they are able to contribute, taking into account their capacity to pay. There will be subsidies for organisations not able to pay.

Council will be responsible for building insurance and all building-related maintenance. A standard waste and recycling service will be provided for each licensee, and a green bin provided for those who require it.

Licensees will be asked to submit evidence of the community benefit provided by their service so that Council can acknowledge and promote the value of the organisations that occupy its community buildings.

Council’s Premises Review Panel will regularly review the community buildings portfolio and hold discussions with tenants to determine appropriate subsidies in the future. The level of Council rental subsidy will be determined by an organisation’s non-profit status; position as a local rather than regional or state-based organisation; degree of government funding and capacity to pay; and level of service to the local community.

Use the form below to make your submission by Thursday 30 September, 2021.

Council is introducing a new licence for community organisations in community buildings and invites the community to have their say on the draft licence.

The licence is intended to provide secure tenancy for community organisations occupying Council’s community buildings, for the next four years. These licences will replace old occupancy agreements, many of which have expired.

Council is committed to supporting local community services in the non-profit sector through these subsidised rental premises and will use the same licence for all community organisations, ensuring security and equity for organisations occupying Council buildings.

No rent will be charged for the four-year licence term but occupants will be expected to contribute to outgoings, such as electricity, water and phone charges incurred by operation of the organisation’s service. Having occupants contribute to outgoings is in line with Council’s 2013 resolution.

Council will work with groups not already paying outgoings to transition to a point where they are able to contribute, taking into account their capacity to pay. There will be subsidies for organisations not able to pay.

Council will be responsible for building insurance and all building-related maintenance. A standard waste and recycling service will be provided for each licensee, and a green bin provided for those who require it.

Licensees will be asked to submit evidence of the community benefit provided by their service so that Council can acknowledge and promote the value of the organisations that occupy its community buildings.

Council’s Premises Review Panel will regularly review the community buildings portfolio and hold discussions with tenants to determine appropriate subsidies in the future. The level of Council rental subsidy will be determined by an organisation’s non-profit status; position as a local rather than regional or state-based organisation; degree of government funding and capacity to pay; and level of service to the local community.

Use the form below to make your submission by Thursday 30 September, 2021.

Page last updated: 13 Sep 2021, 11:50 AM