Managing Crown Land - Fact Sheet - Committees of Management and Reserved Crown Land
It is expected that new legislation will be passed by the State parliament in the first half of 2010 that will require Committees of Management (CoMs) to provide annual financial reports to the Department.
As a first step, we are requesting that CoMs complete a template which includes a financial return for the 2008-09 Financial Year (page 1) along with other sections relating to assets, recent & planned major works, membership, staff, leases & licences, and insurance. (If you have already submitted a financial return for 2008-09 then it is not compulsory to complete section 3).
Please return your completed template to the Department’s Transaction Centre by 22 January 2010.
Judy Ryan
DSE Transaction Centre
PO Box 879
SEYMOUR 3660
A sample of a completed template is provided below as well as a blank copy if you would prefer to complete it electronically.
COM Template - Sample (DOC - 123 KB)
COM Template - Blank (DOC - 118 KB)
Introduction
A Crown land reserve is public land that has been set aside for public purposes for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of Victoria. The colonial Government began to reserve Crown land in the latter half of the 19th century as a means of providing land for important community activities. Crown land reserves support a whole range of amenities and uses such as halls, libraries, theatres, showgrounds, gardens, bushland, zoos, foreshores, sports ovals, tennis courts, playgrounds, swimming pools and rail trails. Victoria has over 12,000 Crown land reserves. Crown land is still set aside today for the use and benefit of the general public.
The principal legislation dealing with the reservation and management of Crown lands in Victoria is the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
Committees of Management
Crown land reserves have historically been managed by committees of management. This system of administration has evolved to include community groups, councils and statutory bodies. Importantly, members of the public have been involved in the management of Crown land reserves for over 150 years.
Today, all committees appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 manage their reserve on behalf of the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and have responsibility and authority to manage, improve, maintain and control their reserve.
Types of Committees of Management
Committees of management can consist of locally elected or appointed citizens, a municipal council, statutory bodies or trustees. There are approximately:
- 1,300 reserves managed by local committees of management
- 2,800 reserves managed by municipal councils as committees of management
- 3,000 reserves managed by statutory bodies or government agencies.
Committees of Management Responsibilities
As well as meeting its obligations under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the committee is also bound by the laws that govern the wider community on matters such as employment, taxation, contracts, tenancy, licensing, and providing services.
The powers given under the Act enable the committee to:
- manage and develop the reserve
- undertake financial transactions, including borrowing money (with the Victorian Treasurer’s consent) and entering contracts
- enter tenure arrangements, such as leasing and licensing, for part or all of the reserve, subject to Minister’s approval
- employ people
- enforce regulations.
Committee of Management Responsibilities and Good Practice Guidelines
The committee of management responsibilities and good practice guidelines are available to guide and assist people who have been appointed to a Victorian Crown land reserve committee of management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a committee member?
There are a number of ways depending on the management needs of the reserve. Membership can be sought by elections held at a public meeting, usually called by the local council. Expressions of interest can be requested by DSE or the responsible Minister in the case of user groups or skill based membership of committees. In each case these will be advertised in local media.
How do I find out who is on my local reserve committee of management?
Contact your local DSE office.
Can I have a say in how my local reserve is managed?
Yes. You can provide input to the committee on reserve management issues, attend committee meetings or seek nomination to a committee of management.
Do members of committees of management get paid?
No: all members of committees of management participate in a voluntary capacity.
Is it necessary for Committees of Management to be incorporated?
While it is not mandatory, the Act provides for incorporation of committees to enable them to employ staff, hold bank accounts and issue leases and licences, or enter other contracts. Many grant schemes also require a recipient body to be incorporated.
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