Council has taken an important step towards securing the long-term future of the Victoria Lake Caravan Park in Shepparton, resolving to proceed with the purchase of Crown land within the site.
In Summary
- Council has resolved to purchase Crown land at the Victoria Lake Caravan Park for $1.46 million, following an independent valuation.
- The purchase aims to support the long-term future and development of the caravan park, a project first initiated by Council in 2018.
- Freehold ownership will enable longer-term lease arrangements, providing greater certainty for operators and encouraging future private investment.
- The acquisition will be funded from Council's Insurance Property Settlements Reserve and is subject to required State Government approvals and processes.
At its March Council Meeting on Tuesday, Council endorsed the purchase of the land following an independent valuation from the Valuer-General Victoria, with the agreed price of $1.46 million to be funded from Council's Insurance Property Settlements Reserve. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in a long-term strategic project first initiated by Council in 2018, aimed at unlocking the full potential of the Victoria Lake Caravan Park precinct.
While the land remains Crown land, leasing arrangements are limited to a maximum of 21 years. Freehold ownership would allow Council to consider longer-term lease options, providing certainty for future operators and encouraging private investment into the caravan park.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said purchasing the land would provide Council with greater flexibility to plan for the future of the site and support long-term investment.
"Owning the land allows Council to remove the restrictions that come with Crown land management and opens the door to longer-term lease arrangements. This, in turn, will make the site more attractive to potential operators who may be willing to invest in upgraded and improved infrastructure for the benefit of visitors and the broader community," he said.
"This is about good long-term planning, responsible asset management and supporting tourism and economic activity in our region. Securing the land puts Council in a much stronger position to plan for the future of this site."
The purchase will now progress through the required State Government processes, including approvals from the Minister for Finance and the Victorian Government Land Monitor, certification of the title plan and formal offer of sale to Council by the Department of Transport and Planning.
The funds for the purchase will be drawn from Council's Insurance Property Settlements Reserve, which was established following insurance settlements relating to the October 2022 floods and committed to investment within the Victoria Park Lake precinct and Caravan Park.
Cr Fern Summer, Yanha Gurtji Ward, said the Victoria Lake Caravan Park plays an important role in the region.
"The Victoria Lake Caravan Park supports events, visitors and local businesses. This decision ensures Council can better manage and enhance an asset that contributes to social, recreational and economic outcomes across the municipality," she said.
"Ultimately, this is about creating opportunities to improve facilities and ensure the caravan park continues to serve residents and visitors well into the future."
Once the land purchase is finalised, Council will consider future options for the operation and development of the Victoria Lake Caravan Park in line with its leasing and licensing policies.
