ACTCOSS Member Forum: Allocation Policy for iCBR properties

Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR) has updated its Allocation Policy, after consultation with ACTCOSS and members in early 2025. This Member Forum will provide an opportunity to hear directly from iCBR and to provide feedback.

Details of the consultation will also be shared with members in early January via the ACTCOSS Events and Training newsletter. 

Thank you to iCBR for providing the below information. 

Current Allocation Policy

Under the current Allocation Policy, organisations who wish to access iCBR properties must complete an application with their requirements, which is then recorded in an iCBR managed application register in chronological order. While allocation priority may be given in certain circumstances, accommodation is offered to the first applicant on the register. This ‘first come first served’ arrangement provides limited consideration to local community needs and the services provided by applicants. iCBR has reviewed the existing Allocation Policy to improve the allocation process, with the goal of better aligning future allocations with community needs and ACT Government priorities.

Proposed New Allocation Policy

During the drafting of the new allocation policy, iCBR consulted with Government Directorates and also approached six councils (Melbourne City Council, Sydney City Council, Brisbane City Council, City of Logan, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and Yass Valley Council) to understand how other jurisdictions manage the allocation of community facilities. Of the six councils, Melbourne City Council, City of Logan Council, and Sydney City Council use an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to select the most suitable tenants for their facilities. Consultation with other jurisdictions and ACT Government directorates indicate that implementing an Expression of Interest (EOI) process allows for better alignment of property use with community needs and government priorities, enhancing overall community outcomes.

The new policy aims to establish a process that encourages informed decision-making based on specific criteria, including local community needs, government priorities, type and condition of the property.

This policy does not apply retrospectively and will only be used as, and when, properties become available for re-tenanting. The policy will be effective as of 2026.

Proposed EOI Approach

When a property or space becomes available for tenancy, iCBR, in consultation with other relevant directorates (primarily the Health and Community Services Directorate), will establish a Property Review Panel (PRP) to assess the property and local community needs.

The new policy maintains government use as the top priority over community use, which is consistent with the current policy.

If the decision is to allocate the vacant site for community use, iCBR is proposing an EOI approach as per below.

• • Following delegate’s decision, the PRP will develop a set of selection criteria considering service gaps and government priorities.
  • The property or space will then be advertised through an EOI process with the criteria reflecting the services required for the area.
  • The PRP will evaluate all EOI applications received in accordance with the selection criteria and the allocation priority, and recommend the preferred tenant to the approving delegate.
  • After exhausting all registered community needs, accommodation may be offered to other groups, such as commercial organisations (as long as the land use allows).
  • In certain circumstances the delegate may refer the recommendations to the Minister for decisions.
  • The selection criteria will be tailored for each facility to meet community and government needs.

The new policy will provide for service provision in identified areas. It ensures a well-considered allocation of properties/space based on demonstrated community needs and alignment with government objectives. Applicants must articulate how their proposals will address the selection criteria specifically developed for the property/space.