Council to lobby MPs over ‘outrageous’ Crown land fee increases

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will push back against “outrageous” increases to Crown land lease and licence fees, warning the changes could threaten community access to key heritage, cultural and recreational facilities across the region.

The move follows fee increases introduced by NSW Crown Lands in August 2024, after the council had already finalised its 2024-25 operational budget and without prior consultation.

Council officers said the timing and scale of the increases would limit council’s ability to plan for, or absorb, the additional costs.

A council report described the changes as unplanned and potentially unsustainable, particularly as many affected sites operate on a subsidised, non-commercial basis and are maintained by council for public benefit.

One example highlighted was the Port Macquarie Historic Courthouse Museum, where the annual licence fee increased from $547.40 to $40,700.

Even after a 50 percent rebate was applied, the revised rent of $20,350 represents a massive hike.
Cr Lisa Intermann said the scale of the increase was unacceptable.

“I’m not being hyperbolic in saying this is outrageous,” she said.

“These properties are not there as a commercial venture.

“In most cases, they are supporting the community.

“I can only assume that it is a matter of ignorance that has led to this kind of move by the State Government.”

Council officers noted the courthouse museum is operated by volunteers, with annual operating costs of about $32,000 and income of less than $4000, meaning the revised rent alone exceeds the site’s total annual revenue.

Cr Mark Hornshaw said councils and community groups could not reasonably be expected to cope with such sudden increases.

“It’s good that we push back on this and let the government know that putting up a rate suddenly, and dramatically, is very unfair and very hard to cope with financially,” Cr Hornshaw said.

Similar increases have been applied to other council-managed Crown land sites, including the Laurieton HACC building, Lady Nelson Wharf and Mid North Coast Maritime Museum facilities.

Councillors resolved to write to the Minister for Lands and Property and MPs in the region seeking greater transparency and proactive consultation on future fee changes.

Council officers warned that without relief, the increased fees could place further pressure on council budgets and risk reduced public access to important community assets.

Staff will also lodge formal applications for rent waivers for all eligible council-managed Crown land sites.

By Matt TAYLOR