Bathurst Regional Council is engaging real estate agents to facilitate the sale of its industrial land, aiming to improve its financial situation and attract new businesses to the area. In December 2025, the council appointed Raine and Horne to market six lots located in the Hampton Park Road estate, adjacent to the Bathurst Animal Rehoming Centre. These lots vary in size from approximately 3,700 square metres to 6,100 square metres.
The agreement with Raine and Horne is non-exclusive, allowing the council to partner with other agencies if necessary. According to David Sherley, the council’s general manager, the sale of this land is not solely about generating revenue. He emphasized the importance of attracting businesses to support the city’s growth, stating, “We’ve got industrial commercial land. We want to encourage businesses here to help with the city’s growth, and bring jobs and people.”
Utilizing the expertise of a specialized agent like Raine and Horne is expected to broaden the council’s reach to potential businesses. Sherley mentioned that the agency would leverage its skills in sales and marketing to promote these industrial subdivisions effectively.
Previous Success with Real Estate Agents
This initiative is not Bathurst Council’s first foray into partnering with real estate professionals. In 2024, the council faced challenges in selling land at The Reserve, also referred to as Windy 1100, located in Windradyne. Initially, an exclusive arrangement was established with Ray White to sell a limited number of lots. After bringing in additional agencies in early 2025, there was a noticeable increase in sales, which had been sluggish following the land’s release in May 2024. By the end of October 2025, half of the first stage of The Reserve had been sold.
The council’s strategy reflects a broader trend among local governments seeking to manage their property assets effectively. By collaborating with established real estate firms, councils can navigate the complexities of the property market more efficiently, which ultimately benefits the community through increased employment opportunities and economic growth.
As Bathurst Regional Council moves forward with this strategy, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how effectively the partnership with Raine and Horne translates into successful sales and the attraction of new businesses to the region.
