A Property Strategy is a set of strategic principles, objectives, policies and processes that guide property-related decisions of Council. The Strategy sets out what is important to the community and Council for the next four years and explains what actions Council will take to achieve each goal. The Strategy is relevant for the acquisition and disposal, leasing, use and maintenance of property.

The scope of the strategy is Council Freehold land, Crown Land under Committee of Management, discontinued roads and rights of way, property that is leased, licensed or otherwise occupied by third parties and easements.

Property that is used for public open space, roads, bushland reserves and parkland is outside the scope of this Strategy.

Council is responsible for 351 building and facility assets with a current replacement value of over $294 million. Recreation facilities are the most significant class of buildings in terms of number (34.764%) and replacement value (35.71%)

The community’s priorities in the Council Plan and Bayside Community Vision 2050 have informed the development of the principles that underpin the draft Property Strategy. The five principles are:

• Finding a balance between community and commercial returns
• Increasing accessibility and equity
• Optimising utilisation
• Advancing environmentally sustainable development
• Ensuring assets are fit for service delivery

It is expected that Council will review the community's feedback and adopt the draft Property Strategy at its meeting on 28 June 2022.