Council officially purchases old WC&IC Building for $1

27 Feb 2019 8:13 PM -

At its February Ordinary Council Meeting Leeton Shire Council officially authorised the transfer of the former Water Conservation & Irrigation Commission Building (27-33 Chelmsford Place, Leeton) from Property NSW ownership into Leeton Shire Council ownership.

In October last year The Hon Victor Dominello, Minister for Finance, Services and Property approved the transfer of the former Water Conservation & Irrigation Commission Building to Leeton Shire Council for the nominal sum of $1.00.

Director Corporate and Community Craig Bennett stated in his report to Council that after receiving advice from Property NSW in November last year Council staff conducted their own due diligence on the property so that they were able to advise Council on any proposed capital works and cyclical maintenance costs which would be required to be completed in order to undertake the adaptive re-use of the building.

“The review provided a comprehensive assessment of both the internal and external condition of the building. Council Officers verified the current condition of the building and acknowledged that the building is in a fair condition.”

Mayor Cr Paul Maytom said that whilst the building may come cheap at $1 it comes with “strings attached” that limits how it can be used and it’s an additional financial burden to Council’s already tight budgets. Nonetheless, Council felt that the purchase has strong community support.

“Council considers the opportunity to acquire this historic building fair outweighs the risks. Grant funding may be available for aspects of any refurbishment works but by and large the ratepayers will have to pick up the ongoing operational costs. It’s exciting but we also acknowledge that the budget will have to absorb these extra costs.”

A restriction will be registered on the title stating that Council must use the land for Community Purposes with the “primary purpose” of a cultural space for a period of 15 years from the date of registration where after it will become obsolete. The property will be classified as Operational Land.

A further report will be submitted to a future Ordinary Council Meeting to address the funding sources for any proposed refurbishments on the building.