City to consider to give up management of crown land for aged care facility

THE City of Melville has been asked to give up responsibility for Phil Ward Reserve in Myaree to allow Opal Aged Care to expand.

The aged care operator has written to the City asking it to relinquish its management order over the 1850sqm crown land reserve on Cottrill Street.

Opal owns the adjoining properly, which operates as Opal Melville, and is looking to increase its redevelopment options by purchasing the land, which is owned by the State Government but managed by the council.

Wildlife removed from park after botulism outbreak

Panel rejects 20-storey tower again

Mayor responds to inquiry findings

A report prepared for Melville council indicates that the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage supports the land transaction and intends to sell it at full-market value.

At the council’s July agenda briefing session, CLE Planning senior planner Simon Burnell explained Opal Aged Care’s redevelopment plans, which he said were only at an indicative stage. More conversations would need to be had if the proposed sale went through.

City of Melville strategic property executive Jeremy Rae highlighted the council had no financial interest in a transaction as the State Government would receive the money for sale of the land.

The reserve is named after a former councillor and questions were asked at the meeting about how he would continue to be recognised and whether his family could be contacted.

The council will vote on July 16 on a recommendation to approve relinquishing the City’s management order subject to public consultation.