LANDOWNERS in Wyndham’s north have avoided having their rates raised by an extra 10 per cent, but only until precinct structure plans are developed for the area.
On Monday night, Wyndham Council approved a 10 per cent rebate for urban growth zone ratepayers in areas without approved PSPs.
The decision follows the release last month of state government guidelines which outlawed the use of differentials for urban growth land. The council was forced to reclassify growth zone land as residential developed land, increasing the rating differential from 0.9 to 1.
Landowners will be given a 10 per cent rebate to offset the increase. The rebate will be withdrawn once PSPs for Wyndham north are approved by the Growth Areas Authority and the state government.
Cr Peter Maynard said the council had carefully considered the ministerial guidelines to ensure growth areas properties were not adversely affected, adding the council would review its rating strategy in 2013-14, with residents invited to have a say on how differentials are applied.
The council has also changed the classification for late licensed premises, moving them to commercial developed land in keeping with the new guidelines. Their rating differential will be reduced from 1.6 to 1.5, decreasing their rates burden by $8600. The council will recoup the money through other rating categories.
