Planning Proposal PP-2026-709: Reclassification of Community Land

Murray River Council is proposing to update its Local Environmental Plans to reclassify 9 parcels of Council-owned land from Community Land to Operational Land.

Some are already utlised as drainage basins, so the proposed reclassification ensures alignment with their current use.

Others would allow flexibility to repurpose the sites.

Subject Sites

• Moama, Lawson Drive, Lot 27 DP253930
• Tooleybuc, 3 Wakool Street, Lot 2 DP 8567575
• Goodnight, Pevensey Lane, Lot 46 DP 12982
• Murray Downs, Swan Hill Road, Lot 73, DP 1117956
• Moama, 14 Centennial Street, Lot 327 DP 1294514 (drainage reserve)
• Moama, Lignum Road, Lot 41 DP 1277564 (drainage reserve)
• Moama, Beer Road, Lot 209 DP 1307464 (drainage reserve)
• Barham, Rivergums Drive, Lot 10 DP 10309193 (drainage reserve)
• Moama, 6 Meninya Street, Moama, Lot 7 DP 776982

Why is this being proposed?

Over the past few years, Council has carefully reviewed all its parks, buildings and recreational assets through an independent Needs and Demand Assessment for Sport and Recreation Facilities (2021).

This review found that:

• Council owns and maintains a very large number of properties and assets, many of which are underused or no longer meet community needs.
• By consolidating or repurposing surplus land, Council can focus resources on improving and maintaining the most valued community spaces.

The Revenue Taskforce, established in 2022 to strengthen Council’s financial sustainability, also supported identifying surplus land to reduce future costs.

What does “reclassification” mean?

Under NSW law, Community Land is land that must be kept for public use (like parks and reserves). Operational Land, on the other hand, allows Council more flexibility in its use and maintenance approach.

Reclassifying the land helps Council focus on assets that best serve the community’s needs.

Community input: public exhibition - July/August 2026

A copy of the Planning Proposal and other accompanying documents were recently on display for public comment until Tuesday 11 August 2026.

Thank you to those who placed a submission.

Community input: Public Hearing - November 2026

To meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 we are hosting independently-chaired public hearings to seek further community feedback on the reclassification.

Two Public Hearings will be held relating to the proposed reclassification of all nine lots specified above:

1. MOAMA: TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER, 10.15am to 11.45am

Moama Recreation Reserve Pavilion, 52 Perricoota Rd, Moama

2. BARHAM: TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER, 1.30pm to 3pm

Riverside Reception Room, 15 Murray St, Barham

Please note, Council does not require registrations to attend either of the Hearings, this is subject to change.

A copy of the Planning Proposal and all accompanying documents (including a Public Hearing Pack) is available under the 'Key Documents' tab on this page.

What to do if you want to present at the Hearings.

If you would like the opportunity to formally present at either of the Hearings, that option is also available to you. You can present on any of the subject sites at either one of the Hearings. To present, please register using the registration form on this page. Alternatively, please contact Council on 1300 087 004 during normal business hours, or email admin@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au and advise that you would like the opportunity to make a presentation at the preferred Hearing. Note - Registration to present at either of the Hearings will be open until 4pm Friday 20 November 2026.