Community drop-in sessions and online forums will be held. Photo: Supplied.
Snowy Monaro Regional Council will throw a sixth rating model into the mix as part of its upcoming rate review consultation process.
The model was developed by members of the community and presented at the April council meeting.
Mayor Peter Beer says the review is a complex undertaking.
“It is great that we can have such positive support from the community in looking for a solution that creates a fair and equitable distribution of the rates burden,” Cr Beer said.
He said the amount of time and effort put into the model by the community was commended by councillors who agreed to include the option for broader community consideration.
After working through a range of different options, the community group chose the simplest rating structure possible under the legislation as their preferred option.
This includes a base rate and ad valorem that is the same for most landowners.
The group believes the simple, consistent approach gives a fairer outcome and would have fewer negative impacts than the current models on exhibition.
The rates review process is a requirement of the current legislation and will not add to the total rates collected by council, only how it is spread among landowners.
Council’s YourSay page includes information on rating structures, the six presented models and a link for people to check their rates calculated under the different models.
A council spokesperson said the community is encouraged to discuss their thoughts on the forum, ask questions and complete the survey so all feedback can be compiled and reviewed thoroughly.
Council team members are travelling to towns and villages to meet with community groups and provide more information. Online forums will also be held.
Concerns were raised at the April council meeting over the impacts of the harmonisation process. Council will be approaching the NSW Government seeking more time to allow changes to be put into place that ensures no landowner is unfairly impacted by the change.
To find out more, visit the Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
Community drop-in sessions will be held at the following locations:
- Bredbo – Outside Bredbo Christmas Barn 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 20 April
- Nimmitabel – Outside Pioneer Memorial Hall 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 21 April
- Numeralla – Numeralla Bus Stop 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, 22 April
- Berridale – Outside Whisk & Cocoa 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 27 April
- Cooma – Outside Visitor Centre 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 28 April
- Adaminaby – Outside the Bake House 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 29 April
- Michelago – Outside General Store 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, 1 May.
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