Fisherman Bay Management, which owns the land, has made an application for division to the Development Assessment Commission.

They want the licence-holders to buy their properties, known as a freehold arrangement, so a sewerage system and flood levy can be introduced to the area, as well as using the money to upgrade roads and footpaths.

Some residents have been waiting years for the freehold arrangement to be finalised, hoping that they will be able to borrow against any collateral they have in their properties.

A long-term visitor to the area described the current situation as an absolute mess.

Now retired, he handed the responsibility of his license to his child, partly due to the cost of buying his property.

“Some families have been coming here for generations,” he said.

Some residents agree with the idea of buying their property, saying it could help improve the area.

One particular resident, who wanted to be known just as Graham, said he thought management’s offer was reasonably fair.

“With the freeholds, it would encourage people to do their buildings up,” he said.

“I think we could see a great improvement in Fisherman’s Bay because of the freeholds.”

Independent Member for Frome Geoff Brock said the process of rezoning the area so management could freehold the blocks had been in limbo for 13 years.

“I was in my position as the Member for Frome for just six weeks and I learnt of the issue,” he said.

“It’s an issue that should had been resolved by the previous member.”

He said he had been dealing with the local council and management of Fisherman’s Bay.

“It’s a complicated issue. There are buildings that are on leased land, which have been there for many years,” he said. “We need a relevant authority to look at the case.”

“It’s an issue that we strive to get into a channel or process for the application to be considered.”

Under the current system, residents pay an annual fee for a license, and own all capital improvements within their allocated lease area.

The District Council of Barunga West has made a submission to the Development Assessment Commission.

Council chief Nigel Hand said they were hoping for a resolution that would better Fisherman’s Bay and the whole community.