Potentially surplus properties to boost Far North infrastructure
A multi-million dollar boost to Far North infrastructure could result from the sale of Far North District Council-owned properties identified as potentially surplus to council requirements.
From a list of more than 1000 council-owned properties on a newly compiled database, the council has so far identified 25 properties for potential disposal with an estimated net value of around $5million.
An investigation will now be carried out to determine the legal and physical status of the land, including checks on how the property came into council ownership and whether there are any impediments to a sale, or other encumbrances such as access issues.
An Open Space and Coastal Access strategy, currently being prepared after extensive community consultation earlier this year, will also be taken into account when considering the suitability of each potential sale.
Finance and Business Services Manager Ian Sivyer said none of the 25 identified properties appeared to be strategic at this stage; however some could be dropped from the list if significant impediments were identified.
“This process could take some months but we would like to bring all confirmed surplus properties to market within the next year if we can,” he said. “The sooner we can quit unused, non-strategic properties, the sooner we can direct the funds to provide additional infrastructure and other vital works.”
Mr Sivyer said the initiative had large potential community benefit and funds raised in particular communities would be directed back to those communities wherever possible.
“We will work within communities to identify projects that could be considered for funding from land sales,” he said
Far North Mayor Wayne Brown is backing the project, saying it’s commonsense that council-owned land of no benefit to anyone should be sold to give benefit to everyone.
“We are pursuing every means by which we can generate more funds to do more road seals and maintenance and sewage and water works that will benefit the whole of the fabulous Far North,” he said.
“At the same time, we are aware of the differing needs of our various communities and we want to make sure that we work with them to determine what they need and how we can go about meeting those needs.
“This project aligns well with my council’s stated intention to adopt a more business-like approach, focus on maximising services and reduce operating costs in order to build infrastructure like roads, sewerage and stormwater systems.”