2026/27 FINANCIAL POLICIES · Attachment 6 - General Rates and Charges Concession Policy

Attachment 6 – General Rates and Charges Concession Policy

    4. be substantially volunteer-based and not in receipt of State or Australian
       Government operational funding
    5. not operate under a commercial business model; and
    6. Submit a completed ‘Concessions In-lieu of Rates and Charges Levied by Council’
       form, or otherwise provide written documentation to the satisfaction of Council,
       demonstrating eligibility.

 Classes of Organisations

 1. Community & Welfare organisations

    Up to a 100% concession on general rates will apply to:
     A. Community service and welfare activities: Not-for-profit organisations that exist
        primarily to undertake community service and welfare activities and rely mainly on
        volunteer labour, membership fees and/or community funding to operate
        sustainably.
     B. Crisis and emergency accommodation: Not-for-profit entities that operate for the
        public benefit by providing crisis accommodation i.e. transitional short- to
        medium-term accommodation including, for example, accommodation for persons
        escaping domestic and family violence.
     C. Affordable housing: Registered community housing providers operating in
        accordance with the Housing Act 2003 providing social or affordable housing
        services.
 2. Housing facilities for the aged

     A. Religious entities that provide housing for aged persons as defined in section 73 of
        the Regulation; or
     B. Not-for-profit organisations that provide high care nursing home-type housing for
        aged or disabled persons. A concession is not applicable for independent living
        facilities. For those properties with a combination of high-care and independent
        living facilities, a concession is only applicable on general rates applicable to the
        high-care portion of the property.
 Note: This does not include accommodation facilities provided for aged persons by
 commercial enterprises that are not registered charitable, not-for-profit, religious or
 community/welfare organisations.
 3. Emergency services

    Up to a 100% concession on general rates will apply to not-for-profit emergency
    service organisations such as SES, Rural Fire Brigades, Air Sea Rescue, and the like
    that rely wholly or in part on voluntary labour and funding drawn from the community.
 4. Sporting and recreation organisations

     A. Up to a 100% concession on general rates will apply to not-for-profit organisations
        that undertake particular sporting or recreational activities for the benefit of
        members and rely exclusively on membership fees and/or community fundraising.
        These organisations may hold a community liquor permit issued under the Liquor
        Act 1992. This category does not include organisations with paid employees,
        gambling or a bistro/or supporters club.




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