FAQs

Mitchell Shire Council manages a substantial property portfolio for the benefit of the community. Properties include both commercial and community buildings and land.

These are formal agreements between Council and tenants to:

• ensure properties are used for community benefit
• that there is appropriate stewardship of the property
• that legal, insurance and risk management responsibilities are shared

We've received requests from some tenants to update occupancy agreements or to create new agreements. We also need to make sure everyone who uses our facilities has up-to-date agreements in place. To ensure groups are treated consistently, a draft policy has been developed to help guide agreements.

The policy aims to provide for fair, equitable and transparent decisions and processes so that the community and tenants have a clear understanding of how property is allocated by Council and managed by tenants.

Mitchell Shire Council manages a substantial property portfolio for the benefit of the community. Properties include both commercial and community buildings and land.

Council recognises the role that community organisations play in providing an overall social benefit to the Shire through the delivery of a range of educational, cultural, community, recreational, and sporting activities and programs.

Council provides land and/or facilities at a subsidised rental to community groups to assist them with their endeavours and Council may also assist with the maintenance and costs associated with their occupation of Council community facilities.

Council also leases land and buildings to organisations to operate government or commercial services and these leases are established through commercial contracts.

Most properties are directly owned by Council; however, some facilities are located on Crown land and managed by Council on behalf of the Crown, and some facilities are owned by tenants but are situated on Council land.

While the policy will apply to some properties who have a Funding and Services Agreement, the draft policy does not specify the cost structure for the use of Council property. 

The policy focuses on establishing terms and conditions of use of Council property. 

The occupancy agreement process is separate to any financial support that may subsequently be provided to tenants of Council properties.

Council will conduct annual property inspections of each facility.

Inspections will look at:

• the condition of facilities;
• note the ‘fit for purpose’ of the building for the services being provided;
• determine that adequate maintenance is being carried out;
• sight current insurance documentation; and 
• ensure that Essential Safety Measures (ESM) and other Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) matters are being appropriately managed. 

Council will be in touch with groups, committees and organisations that we have identified as being likely to need an occupancy agreement. 

We welcome input from other groups, committees and organisations as this may also be of interest for future occupancy agreements.

It may also affect arrangements that committees have with people who use the facilities they manage on Council and the community's behalf. 

Yes. 

Leases and licences are ‘standard governance’ for councils and community groups elsewhere. They are also required by our insurers. They need to be legally sustainable so need to be written using some legal language.

The policy is designed to help Council officers apply consistent principles to occupancy agreements. This also means there are parts that need to be technical. 

If you think anything in the policy is unclear, please include this in your feedback. If you would like to clarify or check any information in regards to your circumstances, please contact our property team on 5734 6200 to discuss further.