Media Release - Rates Dispute

Posted on August 06, 2020

Today, the Full Court of the Federal Court allowed Council’s appeal from the dismissal of its claim in the long running rates dispute that it has with the operator of the Launceston Airport. In doing so the Full Court determined that the primary judge was wrong to deny standing to council to seek various declarations as the meaning and effect of the lease obligation to make equivalent rate payments to council. The amount in dispute is very significant.

The case has been remitted to the trial judge to consider the merits of council’s case.

Council is, naturally, very pleased with this outcome as the issue is of importance to its ratepayers.

Given that the primary judge must now determine the balance of the case, it would not be appropriate to make any further public comment.

Media enquiries:

Mayor Mary Knowles OAM 0408 766 625