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Million Dollar Commitment For The IslandThe recreation future of Phillip Island is secure after a decision by Bass Coast Shire Council to purchase 16ha of land on the edge of Cowes. By Bass Coast - 12th January 2012 - Back to News In mid 2011 Council secured an option to purchase part or all of the 32ha of land on corner of Phillip Island Road and Ventnor Road.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente, said the purchase fitted with the recreation needs assessment of the Island and represented value for money for ratepayers.
"Council has committed $1 million to secure 16ha of the land. The majority of the money required to fund the purchase will come from existing funds that Council has obtained from developers who have been unable to provide recreation land," confirmed Mr Piasente.
"Although Council considered purchasing the entire site our independent valuation showed that the asking price for the whole area was very inflated and well above market value.
"Our research indicates that this much land will meet the recreation needs of the Phillip Island community for at least the next 30 years.
"To give people some comparision, 40 acres is equivalent to two and a half MCGs. It is four times the size of the current recreation reserve and about the size of the block bounded by Thompson Avenue, The Esplanade, Steele Street and Church Street," Mr Piasente explained.
"No decision has been made about what would be located on the site; however there is enough space, for example, for two full sized ovals, tennis courts, netball courts, aquatic facilities, sporting buildings and club rooms."
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, welcomed the decision to purchase the land.
"We have made a decision for the long term interests of the community and one that is financially sustainable," said Cr Dowman.
"We will need to develop a plan for the site to guide what is developed there in the long term. Buying this land is just part of an ongoing commitment to ensure we get the best possible facilities for Phillip Island and we will work with the community to ensure this happens."
This new recreation land is in addition to the existing Blue Gum and Recreation Reserves in Cowes.
Council has entered into a contract for the purchase and payment will not take place until the start of the 2012/13 financial year. It is planned that Council will take possession of the land at the end of July 2012.
A development plan for how the site might be used in the future will be considered in the 2012/2013 finacial year. Mr Piasente said allowing for budget considerations and the council elections in October, he anticipated the process to develop a plan for the land would commence in 2013.
We will keep the community informed on the progress of the purchase," assured Mr Piasente.
"In the meantime, we need to work out a time frame for development and start to identify the needs and requirements of the site. We have established a register of interest for people who would like to be considered for involvement in the development plan process."
Anyone wishing to register their interest can do so online at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, by email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Historical perspective
The land (officially known as Crown Allotment 79) was originally owned by the Shire of Phillip Island.
When local government amalgamations took place across Victoria, the Commissioners sold the land for $280,000. The whole site is now valued at $2.52 million.
"There has been criticism of the decision to buy back land that was owned by the Phillip Island Council sixteen years ago," said Mr Piasente.
"In hindsight, it would have been wonderful to hold onto the land, but unfortunately, at the time of amalgamation, Council was not in the financial position to do this.
"Market values and real estate considerations aside, Council believes this is a significant and important investment in Phillip Island’s long term future."
For more information contact:
Eleanor McKay
communications coordinator
t (03) 5671 2296 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0407 557 620
e e.mckay@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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