At Council’s Tuesday meeting, it was recommended that Council push the sale of a Council-owned property at 18 Leake Street, Bowning. The property has been identified as surplus to Council operational needs but was not included in the schedule of properties proposed to be progressed for development or sale as part of the Property Strategy.
If Council follows all recommendations made by staff, it would mean an open market sale inclusive of two former Rural Fire Service sheds located on the property, request the Chief Executive Officer to bring a recommended offer for the property back to Council for resolution, together with supporting valuation evidence and marketing agent advice.
It would also mean the net proceeds of the sale of 18 Leake Street, Bowning be placed in the Commercial Property Development Internally Restricted Fund to facilitate and fund the activities of the Yass Valley Council Property Strategy.
Staff said the sale could assist with improving Council’s financial position.
On 11 May 2026, Council endorsed for public consultation, the Yass Valley Council (YVC) Property Strategy and Property Investment Policy together with amendments to Council’s Property Acquisition and Disposal Policy.
The Property Strategy listed a number of properties identified as suitable for development and/or sale, and Council authorised the Chief Executive Officer (subject to final approval of the Property Strategy) to undertake the various actions necessary to enable final recommendations regarding these properties to be brought to Council for resolution.
Since that meeting, a property at 18 Leake Street, Bowning, that was not previously included in the schedules attached to the property strategy has been identified as surplus to Council’s operational needs and as being suitable for disposal.
The land has an area of 2,102 square metres. The land slopes away from Leake Street and is partially flood-prone from a creek running along the southern boundary. However, with relatively minor site works to construct a building platform above the flood level towards the street frontage, the property is capable of being developed either for residential or commercial use. Advice from property agents currently advising Council is that, despite being partially flood-prone, they believe there would be interest in the purchase of the property through the open market.
The property is the site of two sheds previously used by the Bowning Rural Fire Service (RFS). Expressions of Interest for leasing the sheds were invited in 2023, with two submissions received. At the Council meeting on 24 August 2023, Council considered these submissions in Confidential session and resolved that Council rejects all EOI submissions and gives authorisation for staff to return to the Expression of Interest parties and negotiate further.
If unsuccessful, the property is to be placed for sale on the open market, with at least 50% of the sale profits (after associated costs) to be used within the Bowning area for the community’s benefit.
On 23 November 2023, Council entered into a lease with the adjoining owner (one of the original submitters) for a period of two years expiring on 23 November 2025.
This resolution pre-dated the draft property strategy, and as such, the resolution to maintain 50% of profits for Bowning was made in the absence of any holistic approach to Council-owned property.
Council said there is a potential for this to help pay debts and provide a long-term income stream, the use of the proceeds of the sale to further the Property Strategy is considered by Council to be a more appropriate outcome.
Council said it should be considered as an investment asset that can be developed or sold.
Jack Murray
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