CITY OF GREATER GEELONG 2012-2013 Rating StRategy

or
can demonstrate that they are of low income status with a maximum income of $31,755 or less (Statement
of Earnings SOE - Centrelink or most recent tax assessment notice).
Amount of Waiver
The amount of the waiver shall be calculated to provide a maximum 50% rebate of the total increase on the
previous year’s rates. A phase-in percentage based on increments to the property valuation shall apply viz:
Property valuation increased by:
100.1% - 101.9% Rebate at 25%
102% - 103.9% Rebate at 30%
104% - 105.9% Rebate at 35%
106% - 107.9% Rebate at 40%
108% - 109.9% Rebate at 45%
110% or greater Rebate at 50%
No maximum rebate under this formula is to apply.
The Recycle and Waste Services Charge and the Municipal Charge are excluded from the waiver.
The cost to Council was estimated at $140,000.
The City of Greater Geelong is the only known council to offer this extended waiver in Victoria.
Differential Farm Rate
The Differential Farm Rate was considered and Council resolved to retain the farm differential and set the
rate at the same level as the residential rate. A ‘large holding rebate” set at 25% of the CIV by rate in dollar
component was made applicable to all eligible properties under LGA Section 169.
The eligible property criteria was expanded to include all properties meeting the Valuation of Lands Act farm
definition plus other properties for which a current ATO primary producers assessment can be provided.
Criteria was further extended to enable Council to include any other non farm large holding of land, for
example, conservation areas, native bush or grasslands, for which there is a benefit to the community to
retain or develop as open space, to be rated in this category.
Non farm subdivisional land continued to be rated as vacant land thereby encouraging timely development in
accordance with planning requirements.
An alternative “Environmental Rural Rebate” based on specific “on farm” environmental works was
considered but not recommended for 2004-2005.
Heritage Assistance
Council has available heritage funding to assist the restoration, preservation and maintenance of buildings or
places of historical or heritage importance to the municipality. Council could provide funds either by way of a
rate rebate (usually a percentage of rates payable) under LGA Section 169 or to simply provide a grant or
donation for specific purpose. In either case, the identification of the building or site, the amount and duration
of any assistance needs to be determined. A consistent approach is required with the preferred method
being to continue to provide assistance to heritage properties via the minor grants scheme on a case by case
basis by way of an allocation of grant or donation approved during budget deliberations.
Deferral of Rates
The deferral of rates is provided for by legislation LGA Section 170.
An improved communication plan to promote the option to partially or fully defer rates was implemented for
2004-2005. The deferral of rates was extended to include non-investment holders of vacant land. The
interest rate on deferred rates was discounted at 8.25% for the 2003-2004 year.
The development of the 2004-2005 Rates Strategy was a key commitment in conjunction with Department of
Victorian Communities and the Minister for Local Government.
Page 12 Rating Strategy 2012-2013