Council advocates for rates relief

Published on 25 November 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council has written to Premier Daniel Andrews advocating for rate relief to be provided to farmers and small businesses in drought declared local government areas.

Gannawarra Shire Council is one of 10 Victorian-based councils deemed by the Federal Department of Agriculture to be drought-declared, however only the State Government can approve rate relief for affected municipalities, which it has granted to three other Councils so far this financial year.

“Gannawarra Shire Council and its communities believe that rate relief is one measure the State Government could implement to provide immediate support to those within our communities who need it the most,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Rate relief for the Farming and Industrial/Commercial rating categories would target the most impacted sectors of our communities. This assistance would then allow those ratepayers to direct their limited farm and business income to important household expenses such as health care, food, clothing and school-related expenses.

“Rate relief will not improve the weather conditions or water availability for our communities, but it is one way to take some pressure off farm budgets.”

Council will keep residents updated with its efforts in advocating for rate relief this financial year.