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We are updating our Leasing and Licensing Policy.
The Leasing & Licensing Policy outlines Council's approach to occupancy arrangements for property it owns and manages.
The current policy has been in effect since 2019. Since this time, there have been a number of changes to legislation and the context in which Council operates.
The new policy reflects these changes and provides clarity to Council's approach to managing its occupancy agreements moving forward.
How to have your say
To provide your comments on this policy, you can complete the survey below.
Groups that use Council facilities will be sent letters (via email, where possible) notifying them that this process is underway.
Community meetings:
Council will be hosting the following pop-up sessions for those interested in hearing more:
6pm on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at the Wangaratta Library Community Room
6pm on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at the HP Barr Reserve Community Centre
At these meetings, we are inviting community groups to hear about:
changes to the policy,
the reason for the changes,
the timeline for implementation,
and the impact this may have.
Community groups that would like to discuss their specific circumstances are invited to make a time to meet with Council following the community sessions.
Major changes
Section
Old policy
New policy
Change/effect
Policy Framework & Objectives
Focused on tenure arrangements under Local Government Act 1989; clarity, risk management, financial viability
Emphasises community wellbeing, sustainability, transparency; adds real property scope
Improves clarity; aligns with strategic objectives
Legislative Alignment
Local Government Act 1989
Updated to align with Local Government Act 2020; adds community engagement for leases >10 yrs or >$100k (as required by the Act)
Ensures compliance with a range of legislation
Tenure Principles
Four principles; leases and licences explained
Retains principles; prioritises licences to maximise access
Operational shift to flexible arrangements
Financial Conditions
Market rent review every 5 yrs; CPI adjustments; community rent schedule (Appendix One)
Confirms thresholds; consult stakeholders; adds rationale for fees
Maintenance & Responsibilities
Detailed matrix in Appendix Two
Simplified narrative; maintenance schedules attached to agreements
Move detail to procedure; ensure clarity in agreements
Risk & Insurance
PLI required; building insurance for tenant-built structures; annual Certificates of Currency
Same requirements; adds compliance checkpoints and risk plans
Specify minimum PLI limit; reinforce compliance
Governance & Transparency
Roles not detailed; Register published on request
Roles clarified; introduces Property Contracts Specialist; Register may be published with privacy safeguards
Roles clarified, align with other internal policies (Transparency Policy, Community Engagement Policy)
The Draft Leasing and Licensing Policy can be found in the sidebar under 'documents'.
For more information on this project contact:Kristi Hacket, Property Contracts Specialist - leasing@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
For more information on submissions to this project, and how they could be shared, please view our Privacy Statement
We are updating our Leasing and Licensing Policy.
The Leasing & Licensing Policy outlines Council's approach to occupancy arrangements for property it owns and manages.
The current policy has been in effect since 2019. Since this time, there have been a number of changes to legislation and the context in which Council operates.
The new policy reflects these changes and provides clarity to Council's approach to managing its occupancy agreements moving forward.
How to have your say
To provide your comments on this policy, you can complete the survey below.
Groups that use Council facilities will be sent letters (via email, where possible) notifying them that this process is underway.
Community meetings:
Council will be hosting the following pop-up sessions for those interested in hearing more:
6pm on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at the Wangaratta Library Community Room
6pm on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at the HP Barr Reserve Community Centre
At these meetings, we are inviting community groups to hear about:
changes to the policy,
the reason for the changes,
the timeline for implementation,
and the impact this may have.
Community groups that would like to discuss their specific circumstances are invited to make a time to meet with Council following the community sessions.
Major changes
Section
Old policy
New policy
Change/effect
Policy Framework & Objectives
Focused on tenure arrangements under Local Government Act 1989; clarity, risk management, financial viability
Emphasises community wellbeing, sustainability, transparency; adds real property scope
Improves clarity; aligns with strategic objectives
Legislative Alignment
Local Government Act 1989
Updated to align with Local Government Act 2020; adds community engagement for leases >10 yrs or >$100k (as required by the Act)
Ensures compliance with a range of legislation
Tenure Principles
Four principles; leases and licences explained
Retains principles; prioritises licences to maximise access
Operational shift to flexible arrangements
Financial Conditions
Market rent review every 5 yrs; CPI adjustments; community rent schedule (Appendix One)
