Hume council will soon invite the community to have its say on how it manages vacant and underutilised land, following the endorsement of its draft Strategic Property Management Framework (SPMF) at a scheduled council meeting on Monday, August 25.
The draft framework aims to set out a structured and transparent approach to assessing council-owned land currently not in use or classified as underused, ensuring decisions are aligned with long-term community needs, financial sustainability, and strategic priorities.
Councillors voted to release the framework for consultation in September, with a four-week engagement process to include an online survey, plain language information materials, and targeted workshops with community members, service organisations and other stakeholders.
The SPMF builds on work already completed, including pilot projects and the adoption of guiding principles in March 2024. It provides a methodology for site assessment, decision-making pathways and implementation planning.
Councillor Naim Kurt said the draft plan will assist with guiding council in how it deals with Hume’s property and allow for better community facilities.
“It’s going to really guide how we deal with property in Hume, how we can get best value and best use for the property council owns and better facilities for the community, as well,” he said.
The council owns more than 1900 properties across Hume, including land for parks, facilities, and operations. Some blocks remain vacant or no longer suit their original purpose. The framework aims to help council weigh up whether such land should be retained for future community use, leased, redeveloped, or in some cases sold, with any proceeds reinvested into local priorities.
Council officers noted while the framework creates opportunities to unlock greater value from land, risks also exist. Some residents may be concerned about possible land sales, or may not see the process as relevant to them. To address this, council will use clear language and translated materials to encourage broad participation.
Feedback from September’s consultation will be used to refine the framework before a final version is presented to council for consideration in late 2025.
