Council Responds to Strong Community Feedback on Proposed Land Sales

Published on 13 May 2026

13 May 2026

COUNCIL RESPONDS TO STRONG COMMUNITY FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED LAND SALES

Southern Grampians Shire Council has responded to community feedback regarding the possible sale of four Council-owned properties in Hamilton, with officers recommending that three of the proposed sales do not proceed.

The recommendation follows a public consultation process that attracted strong community interest including 59 submissions and two petitions.

The consultation related to four sites in Hamilton identified earlier this year as potentially surplus to Council requirements. These properties included locations at 11 Leahy Street, Grosvenor Place, 8 David Street and Elizabeth/McPhee Streets.

Council resolved not to proceed with the sale of the properties at 11 Leahy Street, Grosvenor Place and 8 David Street at the 12 May meeting of the Southern Grampians Shire Council. The recommendation also included the deferral of a decision on Elizabeth/McPhee Streets to allow further investigation and consultation.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the process showed the value of respectful community engagement.

“This was exactly what the consultation process was intended to do; to hear from community before any final decision was made,” Cr Heslin said.

“Residents made their views on the potential sales clear, particularly around the importance of retaining public open space, and those views have been heard. I understand that people have wide ranging opinions on many of our projects and services, they often speak about them online or to one another, but this shows that providing feedback via the appropriate platforms means the right people see it and really helps us to understand community sentiment.”

The majority of submissions opposed the proposed sales, with recurring concerns including loss of public open space, environmental concerns, neighbourhood amenity and impact to property values.

Cr Heslin said that while Council has a responsibility to regularly review its assets and land holdings, community feedback is critical in shaping final decisions.

“Reviewing underutilised assets is a normal part of responsible local government. The annual cost for maintenance of these properties comes to around $1320 per property, and we also pay the Fire Service Levy of $275 per property per year. From a purely financial perspective, you can understand why these assets were reviewed for sale. This process proves that community consultation matters and can directly influence outcomes. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who turned up to have their voices heard,” concluded Cr Heslin.

Council officers will continue investigation into Elizabeth/McPhee Streets with a final decision to be made at a Council meeting later in the year.

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