Expression of Interest Snowy River Hostel

Overview Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified organisations to provide proposals to use the Snowy River Hostel (SRH) site for community purposes. About SMRC owns the Snowy River Hostel at 7 Jindalee St, Berridale. The site includes Lot 3 DP261695, Lot 3 DP801367 and Lot 10 DP1130244. The SRH was a 14-bed aged care facility, however it was closed on 28 March 2024. Since then, the building has been vacant and is currently not utilised. In 2020, the Governing Body resolved to begin the process of divesting from residential aged care. Council was successful in an application for grant funding from the Australian Government to assist in this process. The initial plan called for the transition of both Yallambee Lodge and Snowy River Hostel to a new operator, with a provision requiring expansion of services into Jindabyne following the transition. Information and history of Council's divestment journey is provided on Council's website under "The Future of Snowy River Hostel". In January 2024, Council sought expressions of interest to provide short-term respite care (or similar services) for residents of the Snowy Monaro through the repurposing of the SRH in Berridale. That process concluded with no suitable provider identified. On 15 October 2026, Council resolved that an expression of interest process be run for proposals to use the Snowy River Hostel site for community purposes. Purpose By approaching this expression of interest with a less prescriptive, outcome-based approach, Council aims to support increased market innovation and better solutions for the repurposing of the SRH. Objectives The objectives of this EOI are to repurpose the SRH by: Identifying available options and solutions within the market Exploring opportunities that reduce Council's risk exposure, such as ongoing financial costs, asset management, and legislative governance and compliance Scope Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from organisations capable of providing the following. Mandatory Services Operation of the site for community purposes Operation and maintenance of the building at no ongoing cost to Council Proposals must include information that addresses how organisations will operate the site for community purposes and how they wish to occupy the land, including but not limited to a lease, sale of land, or transfer. Optional Services Other value-added services proposed by respondents Opportunities that may improve the environmental, operational or commercial outcomes of the proposed service Contractor Requirements Respondents must address the mandatory services The facility is offered as is, with Council not warranting the facility as suitable for any intended use proposed Those lodging expressions of interest are responsible for making their own enquiries as to the suitability of the facility