Moorabool council has proposed a two per cent “goodwill’’ rate rise across the municipality to help ease the financial pressure on farmers.
The 2014-15 draft budget proposes the rise on all rateable properties except those used for farming and mining.
Changes would also see rates reviewed every two years instead of every four years.
Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell stepped out of the chair at the council’s May 21 meeting to move that the current four-year reviews be changed, to allow for “pro-active protection” of ratepayers.
“It makes sense to re-adjust it on a valuation year … it means we control any spikes,” he said.
Cr John Spain spoke for the motion, saying “in two years a lot of things can change”.
While Cr Tonia Dudzik did not oppose a two-year review, she had a problem with the community not being consulted about the potential 2 per cent increase.
“What was advertised and discussed came back overwhelmingly as the community saying; ‘Leave the rates system as it is’,” she said.
“I understand farmers are struggling, but so is the rest of the community. This motion hasn’t mentioned any suggestion of assisting pensioners.”
Cr Tatchell said the proposed rate strategy was on public display for the next 28 days.
“This 2 per cent comes at a low cost when it’s spread across the board … it’s about $7.50 a year,” he said.
“We’re arguing over that few per cent, but we will all get back so much in the value of goodwill. We’ve gone from 1550 farms down to 412 … they’re one of the few businesses in Australia rated on their business and its killing them.”
Cr Tatchell said he wanted the government to provide parameters on differential rates.
“We want to help low-income earners, pensioners and the commercial zone, so we can encourage local work,” he said.
Cr Tom Sullivan said it was a show of “good faith” for the council to see the value and hard work of the rural sector, while Cr Pat Toohey pointed out that farming zones faced the most use restrictions.
“There’s an understanding they should have differential relief … many other shires recognises these restrictions on what farmers can do with their land – it’s not a free for all.”
Maddingley resident Marg Scarff spoke against the amended strategy, calling the consultation process poor and questioning who would pay for the rate rise.
Moorabool chief executive Rob Croxford confirmed the rises would affect all categories of landholders excluding farming and mining.
Public submissions will be heard at the July 9 council meeting at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh.
The budget is expected to formally be adopted on July 16.
