Yass Valley Council Draft Property Strategy

I support the Draft Property Strategy and encourage Council to prioritise the sale, development or disposal of land parcels where there is already demonstrated market interest.
Prioritising these sites will enable Council to achieve quicker financial returns, reduce holding costs, generate working capital sooner, and assist in meeting the Strategy's objectives of debt reduction and improved financial sustainability. It will also provide certainty for investors and businesses that are ready to proceed, resulting in faster economic activity, job creation and community benefits.
Where genuine interest has already been identified, Council has an opportunity to accelerate outcomes while reducing the risks associated with holding land for extended periods in an uncertain market. Focusing first on sites with proven demand will help maximise the value of Council-owned assets and demonstrate early success in delivering the objectives of the Property Strategy.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Property Strategy.
Although I welcome the Council considering alternate methods to address financial sustainability issues, I am concerned that the council will not, in the quite reasonable desire to retire debt, properly consider the needs of its rural residents.
I note the section termed “General Principles” that states Council is committed to facilitating the economic, social and cultural well-being of its residents through active partnerships with other public and private sector entities. I further note that the draft Property Strategy, on page 27, lists the Settlement Strategy as a related policy. Yet it is apparent that Council endorsed the 91 Guise Street development in Sutton and sent it to NSW Planning despite the proposed increase in residential blocks far exceeding the increase in dwellings identified in the Settlement Strategy. As you know, the agreed Sutton master plan allowed for a total of 150 new blocks. The proposed Guise Street development drastically exceeds this number. Any further development risks the social and cultural well-being of the residents, through the potential radical change in the nature of the village.
As a concerned Sutton ratepayer, I request that the council engage with the Sutton community on this matter, to meet the general principles of the draft strategy – notably that “Preservation of the unique lifestyle characteristics of the rural villages within the Yass Valley LGA will remain as a guiding principle of the Property Strategy.”
Any future decisions should then be consistent with a Settlement Strategy that has been thoroughly consulted across the community.
I am happy to discuss this matter as required.

John Brennan

I strongly encourage Council to prioritise strategically located land near the town centre and key services for tourism development, including motels, boutique accommodation and glamping facilities. As Yass continues to grow and attract more visitors, well-located accommodation will be essential to support the local economy, enhance the town’s appeal, and meet future demand. Land close to existing facilities, businesses and attractions offers convenience for visitors while benefiting local retailers, hospitality businesses and service providers. Tourism developments also create ongoing employment and support Council’s objectives for economic development, financial sustainability and local business growth. Preserving suitable centrally located land for future tourism accommodation will help ensure Yass captures the benefits of a growing regional visitor economy.