Council to gift land in Winchelsea to local VICSES Unit
Published on 27 March 2025
Surf Coast Shire Council will gift excess vacant land in Winchelsea to the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), to continue to support the volunteer-based organisation.
Council approved the transfer of 2504m2 of land at 325 Mousley Drive, Winchelsea to the local VICSES Winchelsea Unit at the July 2024 Council meeting.
Fronting the Princes Highway, the VICSES Winchelsea Unit has been based at their current site – now gifted to them by Council – for the past decade.
Councillor Tony Phelps was pleased that VICSES had recently signed an agreement with Council.
“I’m thrilled that we’re gifting land to VICSES,” Cr Phelps said.
“It will help the VICSES Winchelsea Unit and the invaluable emergency response work volunteers carry out in the community to help keep people safe.”
VICSES Winchelsea Unit Controller, Kris Jeffery said: “Our VICSES volunteers play an important role in keeping our local Winchelsea community safe, and it’s critical we have the right infrastructure to better serve this community.”
“Our volunteers are pleased with this result, and we thank Council for their generosity.”
Separate portion of excess land to be sold
Council also approved to sell a separate portion of excess land adjoining the site through a public process. It is expected to be placed on the market in the coming months, following improvements including grass cutting and removing soil mounds.
“It’s 1.47 hectares of land. Given Council doesn’t need it, it makes sense to move it on,” Cr Phelps said.
“The sale of the excess land will result in additional income for Council and create the potential for better use of the land.”
Council invited submissions on the gifting and the sale of land over a four-week period in mid-2024. No submissions were received.
VICSES Winchelsea Unit to host Open Night
Community members are invited to attend a VICSES Winchelsea Unit Open Night on Wednesday 2 April. Pop in and chat with volunteers at 325 Mousley Drive between 7.30pm and 9pm.