Charlotte Caldwell, teacher Alison Ford, Xanthia Joannides and Alfie Green from Hillarys kindy.
Camera IconCharlotte Caldwell, teacher Alison Ford, Xanthia Joannides and Alfie Green from Hillarys kindy. Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves d400155

Council land plan to reduce rates

Liam Ducey, Stirling TimesStirling Times

A motion of notice put forward by Mayor David Boothman proposed that a report be prepared for council regarding forming a committee to develop a strategy for vacant or underutilised land owned freehold by the city.

The aim would be to maximise benefit for the community through either sale or development of these assets.

The motion was carried 7-4, with councillors Joe Ferrante, Elizabeth Re, Terry Tyzack and Rod Willox voting against the motion.

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Speaking to the Stirling Times, Cr Boothman said the main aim of the motion of notice was for council to take a long-term view of their assets, and make those assets work for both ratepayers and the City.

‘The intent of my motion was to form a committee, and get on to that committee people with relevant business experience who can provide guidance,’ he said.

‘Initially we develop a strategy, and from that strategy we look at how we can develop our assets.

‘It’s about looking at the land we have, particularly in the Mirrabooka Regional Centre and the Stirling Regional Centre, that can be developed rather than hanging on to them for a couple of years and flogging them off.

‘That will help develop the community in those areas, with things like affordable housing, but underpinning all this in the long term is that we’ll actually get a return of income coming back to council which could offset council having to hit the rates every time we want to fund something.’

Cr Boothman said that council officers recommended not setting up the committee because they felt it was too premature.

‘They’ve been developing this policy for a year, but I wanted to get some genuine dialogue happening sooner than later to make sure this progresses in a timely matter,’ he said.

‘It’s all about making our strategic assets work for us and set up the City for the future.’