Entire Victorian Town of Licola Listed for $10 Million Sale
The entire settlement of Licola, a remote Victorian community located by the Macalister River approximately three hours from Melbourne, has been placed on the market with an asking price of between $6 million and $10 million. This extraordinary sale has ignited fury among the town's handful of residents and loyal visitors, who fear the unique character of the area could be lost forever.
A Community in Peril
Licola, with a permanent population of just five people, is currently owned and operated by the Lions Club, which has held the town for over five decades. The sale package encompasses a substantial 45 acres of freehold land spread across five titles. The listing includes accommodation buildings and program facilities capable of hosting more than 300 individuals, a caravan park, a general store, and on-site fuel facilities.
The decision to sell has not been well received, prompting a significant backlash from those connected to the town. A local single mother, Leanne O'Donnell, has taken decisive action by launching a GoFundMe campaign with the ambitious goal of raising $8 million to purchase Licola herself.
Local's Fight to Preserve a Way of Life
Ms. O'Donnell, who previously managed the town's caravan park and general store, has articulated a passionate plea to keep Licola community-led. "This fundraiser exists to raise eight million dollars to place a bid to purchase the town of Licola as a whole and keep it protected from over-polishing, over-commercialisation, or development that erases its soul," she wrote on the fundraising page. "I absolutely love this town. If it gets into the hands of a developer and turns into something that it's not, it will just break my heart."
Her connection to Licola runs deep. She arrived four years ago, fulfilling a personal ambition to run a general store and caravan park. "When you love what you do, the money comes second. I work from my heart, and they're (Lions Club) working from a spreadsheet," she told media outlets, highlighting a stark contrast in motivations.
Clash Over Commerce and Community
The situation has become deeply personal for Ms. O'Donnell. The Lions Club ended her lease, forcing her to vacate the premises and leaving her currently living in a van with her son. She had invested a significant portion of her $400,000 life savings into operating the park and store. "They've got me over a barrel because I invested my life savings into this, and now they just think that they can just come in and take it all away, and I've got nothing that I can do about it," she expressed with palpable frustration.
Her tenure also included operating the Community Postal Agency, which ceased trading on Australia Day, further diminishing local services.
The Lions Club's Rationale
The Lions Club of Victoria and southern NSW, which purchased the property for $20,000 in 1969 and developed it into a wilderness camp for children, issued a statement explaining the difficult decision. The club cited a strategic review that identified mounting challenges.
The statement outlined several key factors:
- Increasing financial pressures
- Ageing accommodation and infrastructure
- Reduced participation in school and camp programs
- Rising insurance costs
- Limited capacity for necessary reinvestment
These issues collectively rendered the current facility-based model unsustainable, according to the club.
A Unique and Beloved Destination
Licola holds a special place in Victoria's high country, attracting a dedicated following. The town is a haven for loyal caravanners, many of whom pay an annual fee to secure their spot, returning faithfully each year. It is also a popular destination for motorbike riders and hikers exploring the rugged landscape.
Remarkably, Licola is the only town in Victoria not connected to the main electricity grid. It generates its own power through solar energy and independently manages its own water supply, treatment, and waste management systems, adding to its unique, self-sufficient charm.
Widespread Public Backlash
News of the sale has provoked strong reactions online and within the broader community. Critics have taken to social media to voice their displeasure. One comment on the Licola Caravan Park & General Store Facebook page called the closure "stupidity at its best," noting people's reliance on the store, especially during peak season. Another lamented, "There are some great past leaders of Lions and leaders of the Licola village and camp whom I know are turning in their graves."
This public sentiment is quantified in an online petition calling for the renewal of Ms. O'Donnell's lease and the salvation of her store, which has garnered over 8,000 signatures. Meanwhile, her GoFundMe campaign has raised approximately $7,000 towards its multi-million dollar goal, symbolising a community's fight against what they perceive as the commodification of their home.
The future of Licola now hangs in the balance, caught between financial realities and a fierce desire to preserve a rare, community-focused way of life in rural Victoria.
