The tiny Australian outpost of Licola, situated three hours from Melbourne and home to only five permanent residents, has been listed for sale by the local Lions Club, according to reports from the BBC. The decision to sell the entire village, which includes essential services like a general store and petrol station, has reportedly caused significant distress among the tight-knit community and nearby regional populations. This action stems from the Lions Club's assertion that maintaining ownership of the town has become financially unsustainable.
The Lions Village Licola board stated that years of operational losses, coupled with rising costs and insurance premiums, necessitated the divestment. The board indicated that a formal review concluded it was no longer prudent for the charity to retain the physical assets. The club claims all proceeds from the sale will fund a new foundation dedicated to supporting youth outreach programs across Victoria.
Central to the dispute is Leanne O’Donnell, who operates the General Store and Caravan Park under a lease agreement. O’Donnell, one of the town's few full-time inhabitants, faces eviction by January 31, as her lease was reportedly not renewed to consolidate finances during this period of transition. She expressed dismay that the business she built, vital for travelers and emergency services, may be displaced if the town falls into the hands of a developer.
Local backlash has been intense, manifesting in an online petition garnering over 8,000 signatures demanding the store lease be renewed. Community members argue the sale jeopardizes a crucial pit stop for travelers heading to the Alpine National Park and disrespects the town’s 50-year history as a youth camp site. Other Lions Club members reportedly accused the board of acting without sufficient consultation.
Licola originated as a timber mill settlement in the 1950s before the Lions Club acquired the site in 1968 to develop youth camps. The asking price for the entire property reportedly ranges between A$6 million and A$10 million, signaling a significant capital transaction for a micro-town. The board confirmed Chairman Denis Carruthers briefed District Governors, who are allegedly supportive of the decision to protect the charity’s core mission.
Reports indicate the board has received threats following the announcement and is considering withdrawing staff from the town temporarily. While the sale aims to secure the charity’s future mission, the immediate future of Licola’s existing commercial operations and community focal point remains uncertain. The new ownership structure and their development plans for the site are currently unknown, although considerable interest has reportedly materialized.
