Land regeneration program

We own many parcels of land for educational purposes across Victoria and buy and sell property as the needs of the population change.

This ensures that we can provide students with the best possible opportunities and facilities in the most appropriate locations.

Due to changing demographics, a former school site can become surplus to education requirements. This means that there is sufficient capacity delivered at other facilities in the local area to cater for the projected enrolment demand in the area and future population growth.

Schools that are no longer operational are closed following the recommendation of the school’s council. Each site is then assessed to determine whether it should be kept for future educational use or whether it is surplus to educational requirements.

We carefully review our demand projections which are based on a rigorous analysis of demographic data. We will retain a site where our projections indicate that a site will be required to meet future demand for student enrolments.

We also work with the local councils, communities, the Victorian Planning Authority and other stakeholders, to monitor and plan for government education provision.

This way we can ensure all Victorian students have access to high-quality education and that current and future demand for schools is properly planned.

Types of surplus sites

We own many different types of properties – they may be former schools that have closed, relocated or merged, former campuses or parts of existing school sites, former administration buildings, unused teacher houses, vacant land or plantation sites that were previously governed by a school but are no longer required.

When is land declared surplus?

Former school land may be declared surplus for several reasons:

  • When the population changes in an area, or there are operational reasons, a school may choose to shut down a campus or decide to close completely.
  • A school may relocate to a new location to access better community resources or facilities.
  • Local schools may choose to merge to ensure that students are part of a sustainable and thriving school.

When we no longer require a piece of land, we declare it surplus and dispose of the site. The land may be acquired by other government agencies or the local council, or it may proceed to public sale for purchase by private individuals or businesses (depending on the zoning). Under government policy, other government agencies and local council have a first right of refusal to purchase such land and local councils are able to purchase surplus education land for a reduced price subject to the land being used for a public or community purpose.

Maintaining vacant surplus land can be onerous, as they can become targets of vandalism and antisocial behaviour. Disposing of the sites means that they can be repurposed for productive use, rather than remaining vacant.

To find out what sites are being prepared for sale, see Victorian Government Land Sales.

Surplus school sites by shire

Updated

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