Victoria
Boyup Brook council to sell farm donated to community
Residents of Boyup Brook say they were blindsided by a council decision to sell a farm donated to the community decades ago.
The Shire of Boyup Brook has decided to sell a local farm donated to the community more than forty years ago, sparking significant concern among residents who claim they were not consulted.
According to a wire report, community members feel blindsided by the local government's sudden decision to liquidate the property, which they maintain was handed over in good faith for public benefit.
The farm was gifted to the community more than four decades ago, with locals believing it was secured for long term public use. Residents argue the sale breaches the spirit of the original donation, which was intended to serve the regional community rather than act as a financial asset for the council.
In regional communities, land donations of this nature often serve as significant historical and social landmarks. The decision to divest of such assets frequently raises complex legal and ethical questions regarding the stewardship of public land. For the residents of Boyup Brook, the farm represents a connection to the area's agricultural heritage and a legacy intended to benefit future generations.
Specific details regarding the identity of the original donor, the exact size of the property, and the financial terms of the proposed sale have not yet been publicly confirmed. At this stage, it remains unclear what legal covenants, if any, were placed on the land title at the time of the donation. It is also not yet known whether the shire is legally obligated to return the proceeds to community projects or if the funds will be absorbed into general municipal revenue.
Local advocates are calling for greater transparency and a pause on the sale process to allow for formal community consultation.
Watch to see if the shire council will bow to community pressure and put the sale on hold, or proceed with the auction of the historic property.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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