Stand firm on rates: Bunbury CEO

Bunbury City Council chief executive officer Andrew Brien has recommended the council not revert to its previous rating system despite a plea from businesses at a special electors’ meeting.

The council’s new single rating system is set to increase the average rates for property owners in the commercial and industrial zones of Bunbury by more than 25 per cent.

However, about 70 people attended a special electors’ meeting last week and the majority backed a motion calling for the single rating system to be scrapped.

“The meeting expresses their grave concern at the inadequate consultation on the council’s decision to move from a differential rating system to a single rating system, and call on council to reverse the decision and revert back to the differential rating system, ” the motion stated.

However, in the subsequent report to the council, Mr Brien has said the council should “thank” each person for attending the meeting but stand firm on the new rating system.

In his report to councillors, Mr Brien said there had been a discussion paper and a number of presentations by the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries before the decision on rates.

Mr Brien also said the rate rises came about because of the State Government’s revaluation of land.

A separate motion at tonight’s meeting will give councillors the chance to impose a 15 per cent rate cap for 600 property owners.

Introducing the cap would cost the council about $800,000 in lost rates.

Opponents to the new rating system want councillors to reconsider their previous decision.

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