Draft plan to guide Council property decisions
Published on 22 August 2025
The City of Whittlesea is inviting residents to have their say on a new draft plan that outlines how Council manages the property that it owns.
The draft Strategic Property and Land Plan 2025-2030 will provide a framework for how Council manage property assets and guide decisions on acquisition, divestment, leasing, licensing and strategic development.
The guiding principles include ensuring all property decisions maximise community benefit and public value, align with Council’s endorsed strategic documents, contribute to financial sustainability and promote development practices that support long-term growth.
Councillors voted at the Council Meeting on 19 August 2025 to hold a four-week community consultation process to gauge residents’ support for the proposed plan.
Council owns more than 2200 properties which are used for community benefit and 2100 hectares of land. These have been acquired over many decades and require a defined and consistent approach to ensure Council continues to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
The draft plan highlights three key focus areas for Council: meeting community needs through property activities, maintaining strong standards in risk and compliance, and supporting sustainable, innovative property development with quality design.
By working within these focus areas, Council will ensure that its property and land is managed efficiently, transparently and in a way that delivers lasting value to the community.
To view the draft plan and for more information on how you can have your say, go to engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au. Consultation runs from 25 August to 21 September 2025.
Following the conclusion of the community consultation period, feedback will be considered in the preparation of the final draft which will come to Council later in the year.
Quotes attributed to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Martin Taylor:
“The draft Strategic Property and Land Plan provides a clear and consistent framework to guide how Council manages its land and property. It will help us optimise opportunities, reduce costs, and unlock long term value for the community,” Mayor Taylor said.
“I encourage community members to visit our Engage Whittlesea website, review this important draft plan, and share their feedback to help shape its future direction.”