Plans of Management are an essential management tool that are:

• Written by Council in consultation with the community
• Identify important features of the land (e.g. sports ground, wetland, watercourse)
• Clarify how Council will manage the land and
• Indicate how the land may be used or developed e.g. leasing

The Local Government Act defines that all land in the ownership of Council is classified as either ‘community’ or ‘operational’. The default classification is ‘community’.

The ‘community’ and ‘operational’ classifications are not specifically defined in the Local Government Act. However, for the purposes of POMs, the following general definitions apply.

Community land

The classification of community land reflects the importance of the land to the community due to its special features. Generally community land, is land intended for public access and use.

To protect community land, the Local Government Act places restrictions on the land to preserve the special qualities of the area. These restrictions being;

1. Community land cannot be sold and
2. Cannot be leased/licenced for more than 21 years and 
3. Can only be used for purposes which are consistent with a Plan of Management

Operational land 

Operational land is land owned by Council which has no special restrictions other than that that apply to any piece of land. Council may deal with operational land in the same manner as any other person may deal with private freehold land.