At their regular meeting this week, Council resolved to sell a number of parcels of surplus land in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Disposal and Acquisition of Land Policy.

In July 2025, Councillors agreed to declare an intent to dispose of seven properties around the Shire, with five suitable for affordable housing. These properties have been deemed surplus to Council’s needs.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that Council consulted the community and a decision has now been made to sell the seven properties. 

“We are pleased that five of the seven properties have been identified as suitable sites for affordable housing. Supporting accessible and affordable housing is a key priority in our Council Plan, because everyone deserves a place that they can call home,” said Cr Tony Clark. 

The seven properties are: 

  • 79A Raglan Street, Daylesford* 
  • 26 Raglan Street, Creswick*
  • 10 Camp Street, Clunes – “Camp Hill Site”*
  • 10 Semmens Avenue, Creswick*
  • 313 Clunes Road, Creswick*
  • 1 Armstrong Street, Daylesford
  • 2 Creswick Road, Clunes 

* Suitable for affordable housing

At the July meeting, Council also requested a report on the history of the reserve at 42 Raglan Street, land bequeathed to Council in 1982 by former mayor, nurse and community leader Betty Rea, and whether it might be considered for “sale or other use.” The proposal prompted strong reactions on social media and spurred community action. Council has responded to the public outcry by stating that Rea Lands will remain a public par and resolved to provide gardening and maintenance for the reserve.

“After significant community feedback, a decision was also made that Rea Lands Reserve in Daylesford will remain a public park and not be subject to sale,” said Cr Clark. “An arrangement will be made for gardening and maintenance, and Council reiterated its commitment to it remaining a public park. New signage to honour the legacy of Betty Rea will be added at the site,” he said.

Proceeds of the potential sales, less the costs of disposal, will be invested in the establishment of a financial reserve to support grant co-contributions as proposed in Council’s Financial Vision, designed to assist Council in meeting co-contribution requirements associated with external funding opportunities.  

Investigating potential surplus land supports objectives outlined in the Council Plan 2025–2029, particularly the objectives of responsibly managing infrastructure and the environment and upholding strong corporate governance to ensure sound decision-making and long-term financial sustainability. 

This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.