An independent assessment of the tender for the Anglesea Family Caravan Park lease has found that the process met relevant guidelines and requirements.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio directed the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to commission the assessment by consultant McGrathNicol in response to concerns about the tender process run by the Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee (GORCC).
In May last year, GORCC resolved to resume the operation of the caravan park at the end of the current lease, 1 December 2017. The decision followed a tender process that the committee deemed did not find an acceptable proposal for the value of the site.
The key findings of the assessment state that GORCC:
- followed the Victorian Government Purchasing Board’s guidelines for running a tender process
- acted in accordance with its obligations to DELWP under relevant legislation and policies
- acted in the best financial interests of Victoria
- conducted the tender process to a high standard, including the appointment of a probity adviser.
The assessment also identified areas for improvement in GORCC’s tender process including:
- the development of an effective complaints management process
- instituting a robust and transparent evaluation process
- more consideration as to how the existing assets could have been better considered
- better guidance to tenderers as to the minimum rental or capital works expected.
DELWP will work with the committee to ensure these changes are made ahead of future tenders.
As a direct result of the assessment findings, the Andrews Labor Government will also review the Victorian Crown Land Leasing Policy 2010 and associated guidelines.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“While the assessment found that the process was above board, the report has highlighted areas where the process can be improved.”
“GORCC followed the leasing guidelines put in place by the former Liberal government, clearly these are not sufficient and need to be fixed.”
“I’ve asked for an urgent meeting with GORCC’s chairperson to make it clear what the expectations are for committees of management moving forward.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020