Planning for community infrastructure

To plan for this, we’ve developed our first-ever Strategic Property Plan. This Plan sets a clear, long-term direction for where our community spaces are located, what types of spaces we need, and how they can best support you. 

Making smart, fair decisions 

The Plan is about finding the right balance: valuing the places our community loves, while making smart, sustainable decisions for the future. We know every park, library and community centre plays a part in people’s lives — but we also face challenges like rising costs, limited funding, and growing demand. 

We’ll make sure each site is well-used and fit for purpose. Sometimes, that could mean repurposing or selling properties that no longer meet community needs — but only if it helps us reinvest in higher-priority spaces that benefit more people. 

Any funds generated from leasing or selling underused sites will go straight back into community infrastructure — meaning more green spaces, better libraries and upgraded community centres for everyone. 

Clear principles for Glen Eira’s future 

The Plan sets out clear principles to guide decisions, including: 

• Supporting community wellbeing and inclusion 

• Responding to local needs and population trends 

• Using space effectively and sustainably 

• Designing for flexibility and shared use 

• Delivering value for money. 

We’ve also identified key actions, like making better use of underused properties, ensuring our sites are well-located, partnering with others to deliver shared benefits, and being transparent so you know how and why decisions are made.

Why this Plan matters

As of now, we manage:

• 156 pieces of land and 572 buildings
• 240 of those buildings are dedicated to community services
• 186 hectares of land are used for parks, reserves, sports fields and car parks.

The total value of these community assets is over $1.46 billion.

Some buildings and facilities used for services aren’t owned by Council — we lease them — but they’re still part of how we deliver value to the community, and the Plan takes them into account.

It’s important to note this Plan focuses on community spaces — it doesn’t cover things like roads, footpaths, stormwater pipes, or shopping precincts. Those are managed through Council’s Asset Management Strategy.

How we developed the Plan 

The Plan was shaped through Our Place, Our Plan — Council’s largest-ever engagement program. Between February and May 2025, we reached out through surveys, workshops, targeted conversations and a special Community Priorities Panel made up of 39 local residents. 

We heard clearly that community spaces are vital to everyday life — and that Council must plan carefully so these places remain flexible, accessible and ready for the future. 

After sharing a draft Plan for public feedback, we adopted the final version on Monday 30 June. 

Working together for a thriving City 

This isn’t just about buildings and budgets. It’s about planning now to reflect our community’s values — inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing and fairness — and shaping a thriving, liveable Glen Eira for decades to come. 

We’re committed to keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. When a property is under review or a major decision is on the table, we’ll share the story behind it, explain the options, and invite your input before any decisions are made.