Murray River Council is proposing to reclassify 8 parcels of Council-owned land from 'Community Land' to 'Operational Land' as part of its ongoing work to better manage and maintain local assets.
The move follows recent reviews of Council's asset portfolio, which identified opportunities to consolidate underused land and focus investment on the community spaces most valued by residents.
Several of the sites already function as operational drainage reserves, so the proposed reclassification simply brings their planning status in line with their existing use.
Other sites are vacant grasslands, which have the potential to be repurposed.
None of the parcels that are not drainage reserves are in the middle of residential estates; an issue that caused community concern when a broader proposal of other lots was considered last year.
Council also went through a similar process earlier in the year, with 21 drainage reserves reclassified to operational land via the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Gateway process.
Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Gorey said the proposal is about responsible asset management and long-term financial sustainability.
"Reclassifying these parcels allows us to manage our assets more efficiently while continuing to invest in the parks, reserves and community facilities people use the most."
"This is a sensible step that helps us to maintain essential operational sites without reducing community access to important public spaces."
Cr Gorey emphasised that the proposal requires a full consultation process.
"No land can be reclassified via the Gateway process unless full public exhibition of the proposal has taken place, including a submission period," he said.
"We encourage any residents interested in the process to firstly view the planning proposal in the council agenda, then keep an eye on opportunities to make a submission if our proposal is approved."
The proposal will now be sent to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for a Gateway Determination. If approved, the full proposal will be placed on public exhibition, allowing the community to view details, ask questions and make formal submissions.
Subject Sites
- Moama, Lawson Drive, Lot 27 DP253930
- Tooleybuc, 3 Wakool Street, Lot 2 DP 8567575
- Goodnight, Pevensey Lane, Lot 46 DP 12982
- Murray Downs, Swan Hill Road, Lot 73, DP 1117956
- Moama, 14 Centennial Street, Lot 327 DP 1294514 (drainage reserve)
- Moama, Lignum Road, Lot 41 DP 1277564 (drainage reserve)
- Moama, Beer Road, Lot 209 DP 1307464 (drainage reserve)
- Barham, Rivergums Drive, Lot 10 DP 10309193 (drainage reserve)
Background information about the proposed reclassification of Council land
Murray River Council is proposing to update its Local Environmental Plans to reclassify 8 parcels of Council-owned land from Community Land to Operational Land.
Some are already utlised as drainage basins, so the proposed reclassification ensures alignment with their current use.
Others would allow flexibility to repurpose the sites.
Why is this being proposed?
Over the past few years, Council has carefully reviewed all its parks, buildings and recreational assets through an independent Needs and Demand Assessment for Sport and Recreation Facilities (2021).
This review found that:
- Council owns and maintains a very large number of properties and assets, many of which are underused or no longer meet community needs.
- By consolidating or repurposing surplus land, Council can focus resources on improving and maintaining the most valued community spaces.
The Revenue Taskforce, established in 2022 to strengthen Council's financial sustainability, also supported identifying surplus land to reduce future costs.
What does "reclassification" mean?
Under NSW law, Community Land is land that must be kept for public use (like parks and reserves). Operational Land, on the other hand, allows Council more flexibility in its use and maintenance approach.
Reclassifying the land helps Council focus on assets that best serve the community's needs.
Next steps: Community input
This proposal is now being sent to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for what's called a Gateway Determination.
The Gateway process is an important step that allows the proposal to be reviewed and, if supported, placed on public exhibition for community feedback.
If the Gateway Determination is granted, the community will have the opportunity to:
- View all details of the proposed reclassification of land.
- Ask questions and seek clarification from Council staff.
- Attend a public hearing following the exhibition period.
- Make formal submissions to share views or concerns.
No land can be reclassified via the Gateway process unless full community consultation has taken place.
All community feedback will be carefully considered before any final decision is made.
Subject Sites
- Moama, Lawson Drive, Lot 27 DP253930
- Tooleybuc, 3 Wakool Street, Lot 2 DP 8567575
- Goodnight, Pevensey Lane, Lot 46 DP 12982
- Murray Downs, Swan Hill Road, Lot 73, DP 1117956
- Moama, 14 Centennial Street, Lot 327 DP 1294514 (drainage reserve)
- Moama, Lignum Road, Lot 41 DP 1277564 (drainage reserve)
- Moama, Beer Road, Lot 209 DP 1307464 (drainage reserve)
- Barham, Rivergums Drive, Lot 10 DP 10309193 (drainage reserve)
