Leasing and Licensing Policy
Consultation has concluded
The Leasing and Licensing Policy (2026) was adopted at the 25 July 2026 Council meeting.
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
Feedback on this policy is now closed, and we are reviewing what we heard at our community sessions, and through the survey.
Groups that use Council facilities were sent letters notifying them that this process is underway.
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) | New cost categories - Admin fee 5%; preparation fee; security deposit/bond; rent review proposed + 5-yr market valuation; valuation trigger established | 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
