General News
5 September, 2024
New lease supports the “vital” Op Shop
THE Terang Community Op Shop will continue operations from its Shadforth Street location after Corangamite Shire signalled its intention to continue its mutually-beneficial lease arrangement.
Councillors unanimously supported an alternative motion raised at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council which will see Terang Resources Inc, the registered charity which operates the Terang Community Op Shop, enter a new commercial lease agreement from 2025.
It had been determined a $19,000 annual fee was the market value of the 10 Shadforth Street premises, but councillors threw their support behind setting the cost at the nominal fee of $138.
Terang Resources Inc raised concerns the market rental value being applied WOULD hinder its ability to support the community, as it is also responsible for all rental fees, repairs and maintenance, utilities including electricity, gas, fire services property levy, water and waste charges.
Council had the option to set the annual rental fee at $6011 (reduced due to an application of rental subsidy being deemed applicable) or maintain the current rental rate of $134, with a three per cent annual increase.
Cr Geraldine Conheady put forward the alternative motion for a new five-year lease, with a further five-year option.
She acknowledged councillors had to take into account policy setting for leasing and renewal at cost to council, but said the value gained from the community benefit of the not-for-profit charity clearly outweighed the cost to council.
“They’ve proved to be an excellent tenant and without obligation have made improvements to the building,” she said.
“Their donation of almost $950,000 to the community since the establishment is just utterly stunning.
“The thing that I’m impressed with is the volunteerism, the effort and the sheer goodwill that comes from this organisation.
“It cannot be quantified, and the value to the community is immeasurable.
“We should not impose a burden that will hinder that vital work from Terang Resources, it’s just so incredibly valuable to so many people in our community.”
Benefits which Terang Resources Inc has for the community, which were cited in the report before council, include allowing for the meeting room to be used by other community groups at no cost, the support showN to the community during times of disaster or distress, a safe and friendly environment provided for its volunteers to be engaged in the community, and all proceeds from sales being donated back into the community.
The alternative motion was seconded by Cr Ruth Gstrein who said she “wholeheartedly” supported the alternative motion.
“Terang Resources are very good tenants and they certainly provide an amazing service to the people of Terang,” she said.
“We’ve seen cost of living pressures on our communities and this sort of business is offering low-cost household items to the community, including access to food parcels which is really great.
“I think you have to remember that if we didn’t have op shops providing the service they do, how much of these goods go to landfill?
“I think it’s really important, they’ve done an amazing job to put $950,000 into the community and I would rather the community get use of the $6000 or $19,000 (from Terang Resources Inc directly) rather than it coming in to council coffers.”