Ministers will be aware that frequent requests are made by community groups for a specific surplus property to be provided for their use usually on a subsidised basis. At other times, such groups may request that a suitable property be identified and made available.

These groups include churches, ethnic organisations, historical and craft groups and other organisations involved in a range of welfare and social activities. Traditionally these requests have been dealt with in an ad hoc manner. The result has been a variety of arrangements by individual agencies including reduced sale prices, subsidised purchase (through interest free instalments) and grants.

Clearly, a greater degree of co-ordination is desirable to ensure that suitable land is provided to eligible groups on appropriate terms so that broad social objectives can be met.

Accordingly, the Property Services Group will now assume responsibility for co-ordinating the consideration of all requests by or on behalf of community groups.

To assist in the effective management of this program it is essential that all requests received by Ministers and agencies are referred to the Property Services Group together with any relevant comment or advice. The Property Services Group will consult with the Lands Department and other agencies on the availability of other specific or alternative sites if necessary. The Property Services Group will also seek statements of policy or opinions from relevant Ministers or agencies.

An Officers Working Party will be established and will meet on a monthly basis to consider all applications. The Working Party will comprise representatives of the Property Services Group, The Cabinet Office, Department of Family and Community Services, Department of School Education, Department of Lands and Department of Planning. The Working Party will be serviced by the Property Services Group and its recommendations will be submitted for my consideration as Premier and Treasurer.

I also would like all agencies to identify additional sites which may have potential for community use and incorporate these into the returns which they are required to submit to the Property Services Group. This will mean that lower value sites and other sites which would not normally be included in such returns but which could be suitable for community purposes will now have to be identified. This process should be carried out immediately in relation to the 1990 program and then repeated in the first quarter each year.

The intention is that these sites would be donated by owner agencies for use for community purposes by local councils and community groups. In some circumstances, this may involve handing sites over to the Lands Department to arrange leasing.

I would appreciate your assistance in ensuring the full co-operation of all agencies associated with your administration in the implementation of these decisions.

Yours sincerely

Nick Greiner
Premier