Draft Rental Assistance Policy & Draft Leasing of Council Property Policy
Rental Assistance Policy – Options for Feedback
Council is reviewing how rental subsidies work for community and not-for-profit organisations using Council buildings. There is no single preferred option at this stage. Feedback will help Council understand what feels fairest, clearest and most practical for the community.
Following earlier consultation, Council received more than 100 responses from community organisations, volunteers and residents. Many people shared thoughtful ideas about how subsidies could better reflect community value, financial capacity and long-term sustainability. At the same time, most respondents expressed a strong preference for keeping the current approach where possible.
Council has listened carefully to this feedback. However, maintaining the current model unchanged is becoming increasingly difficult. The estimated value of rental subsidies currently provided is approximately $1.5 million per year, based on an assumed 80% subsidy across most community tenancies. Rising compliance requirements, maintenance costs and the need to renew ageing facilities mean there are simply not enough funds coming in to cover essential works.
Many buildings require significant upgrades to remain safe, accessible and fit for community use. Doing nothing risks declining facilities, higher long-term costs and reduced community access.
Council recognises the enormous contribution community organisations make. Volunteer-run clubs are central to Lane Cove’s liveability — supporting sport, wellbeing, culture, social connection and local identity. Volunteers contribute time, maintenance, leadership and community spirit, often while keeping participation costs low. Protecting that contribution remains a priority.
This review aims to:
- Support community participation and affordability
- Ensure facilities remain safe and sustainable
- Provide clearer, fairer and more transparent rules
- Recognise different levels of community impact and capacity
- Maintain strong partnerships with local organisations
Below are short descriptions of the options suggested by community groups and being considered. These are ideas for discussion — not decisions. Community feedback will help shape the final approach.
The goal of this review is to ensure support is directed to those who need it most, while encouraging fair contributions from organisations with greater capacity to pay. It is also about promoting shared responsibility for the long-term sustainability of community facilities. Council aims to ensure fairness and transparency in how subsidies are applied, prioritise groups delivering strong community value, and maintain safe, accessible and compliant facilities for everyone who uses them.
Below are short descriptions of each model.
Option A – Rent Score Model
Each organisation would receive a subsidy based on a clear score. The score would reflect things like community benefit, volunteer effort, ability to pay, maintenance responsibilities and alignment with Council priorities. The final score would directly set the rent discount for the lease term.
Option B – Activity Cluster Model
Organisations would be grouped by the type of activity they provide (for example sport, culture, education, health or social support). Subsidies would be assessed by comparing similar groups, rather than treating all users the same.
Option C – Social Value Model
This option focuses on the social value groups create, not just their finances. Things like participation, health benefits, volunteer hours and community connection would be considered when setting rent discounts. Higher community impact could mean higher subsidy.
Option D – Linked to the Community Strategic Plan
Rental subsidies would be linked directly to Council’s Community Strategic Plan. Groups delivering priority outcomes (such as youth engagement, active ageing, inclusion or wellbeing) could receive higher subsidies.
Option E – Hybrid (Balanced) Model
This option combines elements of several approaches. It could include scoring, activity groupings, recognition of social value, support for smaller groups and a safety net for hardship, all aligned with Council priorities.
Option F – Flat Subsidy for All Groups (Reduced Level)
This option keeps a simple, flat rental subsidy for most not-for-profit organisations, but at a lower level than the current approach — for example around 50% of market rent.
The aim is to retain a system that is easy to understand and administer, while improving Council’s ability to fund essential building maintenance, safety upgrades and compliance requirements.
A flat subsidy provides consistency and predictability for organisations. However, it may disadvantage groups that contribute significant volunteer labour, undertake building maintenance, or deliver higher levels of community benefit, as it does not recognise differences in capacity, contribution or impact.
We have developed a video to take you through these options also!
Why Your Feedback Matters
Community organisations play an important role in making Lane Cove active, connected and inclusive, while Council must manage public buildings safely, fairly and sustainably.
Your feedback will help Council understand what is fair and workable, balance community benefit with financial responsibility, determine which policy options to progress, and shape a clear, sustainable rental assistance framework.
All responses will be carefully considered before any final decisions are made.
Please complete the survey below to share your input with Council.
