By Peter Douglas
Yarra Ranges Council will enter into a lease agreement with Inspiro over the to-be-constructed Belgrave Community Hub facility.
At its 28 February meeting, council unanimously supported the move, which sets in stone a 10-year joint agreement, with options for four further 10-year terms.
The lease will allow Inspiro to use the premises for provision of primary health and community health services on a not-for-profit basis, as well as for a community hub.
The agreement comes after much advocacy work, as well as a direct contribution of $250,000 from Inspiro, in addition to the donation of the land, which is valued around $930,000.
Cr Fiona McAllister said it was fantastic to see further progress on this much-needed facility, which is due for practical completion next year.
“In my time as mayor, I spent certainly a lot of time with Ms (Ali) Wastie, Inspiro and others, advocating to get the funding,” Cr McAllister said.
“So, to see it at this point is really exciting.
“It’s been a long time in the planning and getting the money, and talking to the community and the providers.”
Upon completion, the hub will include allied health, aged care services, and disability and dental services.
In addition, there will be significant space available for community groups, with Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Services (DRERS) already securing a home in the building.
Though, there is some concern within the community about the particulars of the lease.
Particularly around the amount of control Inspiro will wield, as well as a significantly lower annual rent offered to community groups.
In addressing council, Betty Marsden, from the Save the Dandenongs League, was concerned the reports weren’t detailed enough, and that the lease may negatively affect community groups.
Ms Marsden said there was “virtually no mention” of community groups in the report, which needed to be rectified before the lease was signed.
“The rent of $277 per annum is certainly very small rent,” she said.
“I’m sure you’ve got reasons for it, but we don’t know what they are … I don’t know how much you’re likely to reveal.
“The South Belgrave Landcare Group pays $500 per annum for two rooms for storage at Birdsland; Monbulk Historical Society pays $500 per annum for a room and storage at the Monbulk Hub.
“This is a very small sum for a building that’s cost the best part of $10 million.”
Ms Marsden urged council to speak up now, because the power seemed to be more aligned with Inspiro.
In reply, the council’s social and economic development director Ali Wastie said the fees were in line with council policy.
“It’s also consistent with leases and licences that we’ve put in with other places such as Kimberley Place at Chirnside Park,” Ms Wastie said.
“However, it’s important to note that Inspiro have contributed significantly to the development.
“Both in capital costs … and also with their land.”
Ms Wastie said the partnership approach is designed to reduce the cost to the ratepayer.
