A trusteeship is a situation in which someone's money or property is managed by another person or organisation.

In this instance, Ipswich City Council manages Old Tallegalla School on behalf of the property owner, Queensland Government.

Old Tallegalla School is considered significant as it meets the following criteria:

• The place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland’s history.
• The place demonstrates rare, uncommon or endangered aspects of Queensland’s cultural heritage.
• The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places.
• The place is important because of its aesthetic significance.
• The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
• The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland’s history.

Because of this, it is considered a heritage listed building and can be found on the Queensland Heritage Register.

After decades of use, the buildings and facilities need significant rehabilitation and refurbishment to ensure it meets existing standards and maintenance obligations.

Council determined that major refurbishment of the buildings and facilities to meet current standards will cost $120,000, with an additional $180,000 required for ongoing operational maintenance over the next 10 years.

An organisation had expressed interest to take over trusteeship of the land and had plans to refurbish the buildings and facilities at their own cost.

However, as council is retaining trusteeship of the land, public funds will be required to complete the refurbishment and ongoing maintenance.

If a surrender proceeded, suitable organisations could apply to the Queensland Government for trusteeship of the property. If they were granted trusteeship of the property, they would fund the refurbishment costs and upgrade the facility.

As the surrender did not proceed, council will be responsible for refurbishment costs and ongoing maintenance of the buildings and facilities at 2 Tallegalla Two Tree Hill Road, Tallegalla. Council is now looking to complete a tender process inviting suitable organisations to submit an application to lease the property.

As part of the application process, applicants would need to:

• provide a business case detailing how they will operate, manage, maintain, and repair the facility to remain financially sustainable
• align their use of the property with a heritage, historical, or cultural purpose
• be prepared to provide an annual report to ensure they are meeting key performance indicators

The rent and lease terms would be negotiated for a duration of 5-20 years.

The Queensland Government appoints the trusteeship. Typically, a trustee is the local government, but it can also be groups like a showground trust or an incorporated sporting association. Council will most likely have the first right of refusal.

Following community consultation, Property Services submitted a report to council outlining feedback and sentiment received on the potential future. Council used this information to decide whether to surrender the land back to the Queensland Government, with the final decision aligning with community sentiment.