2016-10-17 General Committee Meeting Notes

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                               17 OCTOBER 2016


Analysis of the management options

Option 1 - Sub division of the existing DOGIT
This originally was the RSL Board’s preferred option. It is however not acceptable to Council as it
does not solve, and in fact exacerbates, the land tenure issues.
In pursuit of this option the RSL Board has submitted an application for a Development Permit to
reconfigure a Lot the DOGIT into 2 Lots on 29 March 2016.
This DA is currently the subject of an information request with Council seeking information about
how the Cooroy RSL will address the following issues:
    The proposed (new) boundary results in an inappropriate design and siting of the existing
      RSL building and the Memorial Hall and places both structures well within minimum side
      boundary setbacks. The new boundary in this location is likely to introduce new boundary
      conflicts in relation to fire separation, which is undesirable.
    The proposed subdivision would create an additional lot having an existing building
      (Community Hall) encroaching on the adjoining lot to the east (Lot 4 on SP254935).
Council is unlikely to support a sub-division proposal where the building encroachment issues
remain.

Option 2 - RSL Board leases to a third party
Over the past nine months no organisation has come forward with the resources and capability to
repair, manage and maintain the Hall and it is the opinion of Council Officers that no such group
currently exists in Cooroy.

Option 3 – Land swap to resolve the land tenure issues
Council Officers have discussed this option with DNRM. The Department has indicated that they
are supportive of an approach which solves the encroachment and land tenure issues. There are
however some technical issues about the land swap and whether the DOGIT can be expanded
which would take some considerable time to resolve. The RSL does not support any option
where it maintains responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and management of the Hall

Option 4 – Refurbish the Hall as a function space
After some consideration the RSL made the commercial decision not to renovate the Hall as a
function room based on a financial analysis and logistical issues.

Option 5– Demolish the Hall and replace with a memorial park or playground
This option had some support from both the RSL Board and Council Officers with all parties
agreeing that there are a number of long term social and economic benefits from having a
beautiful park in the centre of town. However, it was also acknowledged that because of the
Hall’s heritage and sentimental values the building could not be demolished without extensive
consultation and engagement with the local community and DNRM. A process which the RSL did
not believe it had the expertise to undertake.

Option 6 – Council takes over trusteeship of the whole DOGIT
While initially dismissed by the RSL Board, the difficulties the RSL Board has experienced in
proceeding with the sub division of the DOGIT, has led the Board to reconsider this option.

At a special Board of Management Meeting held on 29 August 2016, the RSL Board carried a
motion to relinquish trusteeship of the DOGIT on the basis that Council assume trusteeship for
the DOGIT and ensure the RSL’s rights to the RSL club building under a trustee lease.

Becoming trustee does not preclude Council entering into a land swap arrangement with DNRM
or consulting with the local community about the future best use of the Hall or the land on which it
sits.



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