Region. Special rate variations aproved

The Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry, has approved special rate variation applications by three local government authorities in Western Sydney, for the 2010-11 financial year. The variations are: Camden 4.5 per cent, Blue Mountains 4.4 per cent and Parramatta 4.9 per cent. Campbelltown withdrew its application. “Applications also had to show a strong business case showing the need for the increase,” the minister said. A special rate variation allows councils to lift their rates above the rate peg of 2.6 per cent in order to fund a specific project.

Parramatta. Application for special rates

Parramatta City Council will apply to the Department of Local Government for the continuation of the special rates levy aimed to deliver infrastructure and promote the city as an attractive destination for business, workers, visitors and residents. Special rates currently cover CBD Infrastructure Enhancement Program, $1.7 million; Economic Development (ED) program,$600,000; and Suburban Infrastructure Improvement Program, $100,000, totalling $2.4 million annually. Money for the CBD and ED programs comes from business properties which benefit from the programs. CBD residential properties contribute to the CBD program. Funds for the suburban infrastructure program is raised from residential and business properties outside the CBD.

Parramatta. Assessment of special rates

Parramatta City Council has resolved, in part, that preliminary work be undertaken on assessing community views on the continuation of expiring special rates and other rating options, and that council review the effectiveness of the current economic development rate and prepare options for this rate to be used for the benefit of council. Department of Local government approval for the current special rates – CBD infrastructure, $1.7m; suburban infrastructure, $100,000; and economic development, $600,000 – expires at the end in the financial year. The revenue is levied predominantly on business ratepayers