Farmer discount proposed in Cardinia rates

A differential rating system delivering a 35 per cent rates discount to farmers has been proposed by Cardinia Shire Council.
The draft budget and rating and revenue plan were presented to council last week ahead of community feedback.
A $66.3 million capital works program and a rate increase in line with the State Government's 2.75 per cent rate cap are key features of the draft budget.
But, following a review of council's rate and revenue plan adopted last year, a community panel recommended changes to council's differential rating structure.
provided recommendations to Council for consideration of updates to the differential rating structure.
The recommended model provides targeted relief to genuine farming properties, applies higher charges to vacant and under–utilised land to encourage development, clearly differentiates between commercial and industrial uses based on service impacts and minimises impact for residential ratepayers.
The new rating structure proposes farmers will pay 65 per cent of the base general rate, representing a 35 per cent saving for famers.
Commercial and industrial business will pay a different rate with commercial being charged at 120 per cent of the general rate and industrial will be 140 per cent.
In an attempt to encourage development of residential land inside the urban growth corridor, vacant land holders will be slugged at the highest rate - 210 per cent of the base general rate. Vacant land outside the urban growth corridor will pay rates double the general rate at 200 per cent.
Mayor Brett Owen said the updated model did not change the total amount of rates collected.
"Instead, it ensures each ratepayer contributes a fair share based on their property type and value. It's about creating a fairer, more transparent system that our community can understand and trust, while ensuring council remains financially sustainable into the future."
Through the capital works program, council is investing $66.3 million, with more than half of the investment focused on renewing and upgrading existing assets.
$16 million is allocated to renew ageing council facilities, deliver major community assets and support strategic land acquisition and $11.9 million is allocated to replace essential core IT systems, improving service delivery, efficiency and digital capability.
The capital program also allocates $23.4 million for road renewals and upgrades, $1.2 million for footpaths and cycleways, and $2.9 million for recreational, leisure and community facilities.
The draft budget also outlines an investment of more than $143.8 million to support the continued delivery of high–quality services to the community including $2.4 million to support arts and creative industries including Cardinia Cultural Centre and Hills Hub Art Space, $6.3 million to support maternal and child health services, and $13.9 million to keep parks and playgrounds safe and well maintained.
Cr Owen said council had developed a responsible and future focused draft budget for the year ahead, supporting the services and infrastructure required for a growing community while also planning for long term financial sustainability.
"With today's complex and shifting economic environment, and the ongoing cost–of–living pressures facing our community, council has carefully prepared a responsible financial management approach to ensure we can continue to maintain and deliver high–quality services and priority projects that our community needs and deserves, while remaining financially sustainable" Cr Owen said.
He encouraged community member to have their say and provide feedback on the rating strategy and draft budget. "Community input is an important part of our decision making process and helps ensure our plans reflect local priorities and expectations."
Community members can have their say via council's website. Community consultation closes on May 19.