The ALTA buys prime real estate in Canberra to boost lobbying efforts and generate income
By Brad Gardner | August 16, 2010
The Australian Livestock Transporters Association is moving its national headquarters in a bid to generate extra funds and boost its lobbying efforts.
The ALTA, currently housed at Belconnen in Canberra, bought prime real estate on August 10 in the northern suburbs of the nation’s capital for close to $1.5 million.
ALTA President David Smith says the purchase will generate income for the group because office space will be rented to tenants. Despite the hefty price tag, Smith says it is less than what the ALTA currently spends on rented office space at Belconnen.
“It is an asset that will grow in value and generate income helping to ‘fund the fight’ essential to the future viability of members,” Smith says.
“Purchasing our own headquarters is an important part of our plan to create stronger finances for ALTA, and that means we’ll be able to have a stronger voice.”
The state member associations of the ALTA are all investing in the new headquarters and Smith says they will receive a proportional share of the capital gains from the building.
He says it is possible the ALTA can own the building within two years.
To do so, Smith wants ALTA members to “buy a brick” in the national headquarters. Those who do will be named on a wall of honour and receive a certificate of contribution.
“I am committed to every member of our industry having the unique, affordable and once only opportunity to have a stake in this new headquarters,” he says.