Project objective

To advise and seek feedback on Council’s intention to renew the lease for a small piece of land in Balcombe Park, Beaumaris. The land measures 4.5m x 6m (27m2) and is hidden deep into the trees of the park, on the boundary of the neighbouring golf course.

The land has a brick structure on it which houses telecommunications equipment and cabling that services a telecommunications tower in an adjacent building. The lease is not for the tower building or tower as that is a sub-lease arrangement between Telstra and Optus that Council is not a party to.

Project impacts

The land relating to the proposed lease renewal is situated in a small area of Balcombe Park, quite some distance away from the community facilities and nearby residences, close to the boundary of the neighbouring golf course. This structure has been there for the past 10 years pursuant to a previous lease. If Council decides not to renew the lease, then it would not receive the $20,000 per annum income generated from the lease which is used for community projects, as outlined in the Annual Budget and informed by the Bayside 2050 Community Vision.

What information do we need from the community?

In accordance with Council’s Community and Stakeholder Engagement Policy 2021 and Section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020, Council wishes to be open and transparent about a proposed decision to renew the lease with Optus for the use of Council land in Balcombe Park for a period of 20 years. We invite public feedback on the proposed decision.

What can the community influence?

The community can provide feedback on Council’s intention to renew the lease with Optus for 20 years.

What can’t the community influence?

  • lease amount
  • conditions of the lease
  • length of the lease
  • the equipment on the tower itself is installed pursuant to a sub-lease from Telstra to Optus that Council isn’t a party to.

Stakeholders and community

This stakeholder assessment is a generalised understanding of sections of the community that have a connection to the project or matter. This information is used to understand the types of tools and techniques that will achieve the strongest and most effective outcomes for engagement and communication.

Impact: What level of change the stakeholder/community segment may experience as a result of the project /matter

Interest: What level of interest has been expressed or is anticipated

Influence: Reference to the IAP2 Spectrum

Stakeholder

Interest
L-M-H

Impact
L-M-H

IAP2 Level

Residents who live close Balcombe Park

H

M

Consult

Sports clubs who use Balcombe Park

L

L

Consult

Staff and school children who attend Beaumaris North Primary School

L

L

Consult

Staff and school students who attend Beaumaris College

L

L

Consult

Wider Bayside community who will be impacted by the lease income/loss of lease income

L

L

Consult


Selected tools and techniques

The tools and techniques selected for this project are informed by the project content, stakeholders and type of feedback sought. The impact of COVID-19 restricts our ability for face-to-face communication, as well as slower distribution of printed mail.

Key tools for communicating the project

  • email notification to Have Your Say members
  • website news story and This Week in Bayside e-newsletter
  • social media post – organic
  • direct emails to key stakeholder groups, including Beaumaris Secondary College, Beaumaris North Primary School and sports clubs that use Balcombe Park
  • letterdrop to nearby residents

Key methods for gathering feedback

  • online engagement through Have Your Say
  • contact email address and phone number of Council Officer provided for interested community members to ask for further information or provide feedback
  • information available in accessible formats, as requested.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Community consultation

    22 December 2021 - 9 January 2022

    Read Engagement plan overview

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Feedback collated

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Council meeting to consider feedback

    Council will decide whether to renew lease on 15 March 2022

Decision-making process

It is expected that Council will consider the results of the community feedback at its meeting on 15 February 2022. The agenda, including the community engagement report and Council officer's recommendation in relation to the proposed lease of the land at Balcombe Park, Beaumaris will be published on 9 February 2022Council's website.

All Council meetings are live-streamed via Council’s website. Community members can also ask a question or request to be heard at this meeting.

More information

Damien Darcy

Senior Property Officer

ddarcy@bayside.vic.gov.au

Ph: 9599 4496