Published on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 at 3:38:22 PM
Despite a significant decline in revenue, a number of measures in the City of Greater Geraldton’s 2020/21 Budget are offering substantial savings to the community.
As well as a discount and freeze on rates, a number of other elements have been adopted by Council as part of the City’s rates relief package.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the COVID-19 pandemic had massive effects on the City’s cash flow, but it was important these weren’t passed onto the community.
“We have waived a significant amount of fees, charges and interest as part of our rates relief package,” he said.
“While the 5% discount on rates paid by the due is a popular one, we’ve also removed administration and instalment fees on rates, and implemented other cost savings to our community such as free parking.
“It was important for us to find a good balance between keeping rates and our expenditure low, but also stimulate the economy and ensure we continue to provide a good level of service to our community.”
The rates discount will offer more than $1 million in total savings to the community while free CBD and Airport parking equates to $580,000.
“As a Council, we’ve delivered a Budget that is beneficial to both ratepayers, and our local businesses,” Mayor Van Styn added.
“We’ve adapted as much as we can in these unprecedented times and we want to ensure our community that we are together on the road to recovery.”
Elements of the rates relief package includes:
- 5% discount on rates paid by the due date
- Removal of rates administration fees
- No rates instalment interest or charges
- No rates penalty interest until fourth instalment dates
- Annual lease fee for community groups waived
- Free CBD and Airport parking
- Swimming pool inspection fees waived
- Sporting ground user fees waived
- Health inspection and sampling fees waived
- Annual health license fees waived
For more information or to view the City’s 2020/21 Budget, head to www.cgg.wa.gov.au
Back to All News