Pt Moore leases in doubt
The City of Greater Geraldton has flagged it is considering no further extensions to Point Moore cottage leases beyond 2028.
As well, the replacement of freeholding arrangements for 23 properties in Cape Burney with 20 year leases and no subsequent leases is also suggested.
In an item for tomorrow night’s agenda forum, under a “risk management” section relating to 35 Point Moore leases which expire this year, City officers recommend a detailed assessment of coastal inundation and protection issues before any leases are extended after 2028.
An environmental assessment and a health assessment into continued use of septic tanks in Point Moore are also flagged.
The recommendation for tomorrow’s meeting is that the 35 leases expiring this year be extended to bring them into line with a “common expiry” date of 2028. Depending on the outcome of the proposed assessments, householders in Point Moore’s 176 cottages may have to vacate their properties after 2028.
Point Moore beach cottages have been leased by the City since the start of a management order in December 1966.
Another issue flagged in the forum agenda is a proposal involving 23 leasehold lots on Gaskin Drive, Cape Burney. An officer’s report advises council that the former Shire of Greenough had resolved to freehold the properties as part of a wider development.
However, it says achievement of freeholding is economically unviable as the City would have to subsidise a shortfall in subdivision costs.
The report recommends 20-year leases for the properties with no subsequent lease arrangements, and a requirement that lessees return the properties to their natural state at the end of that period.
Agenda forums are held for councillors and members of the public to ask questions or make presentations, and any decision on the recommendations will not be made until next week’s council meeting.
The forum begins at 5.30pm in the Cathedral Avenue civic centre.
If the officer’s recommendation is adopted at the full council meeting next week, the City will invite public submissions.
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