2021-06-30 SM - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - 2021-22 Budget Document

The purpose of these concessions is to encourage and support not for profit organisations,
community groups and sporting associations as they contribute to the health and well-being of the
community and the social cohesion of the shire.

In exercising these concession powers Council will be guided by the principles of:
     Transparency by making clear the requirements necessary to receive concessions;
     Communication by raising the awareness of target groups that may qualify for these
      concessions; and;
     Equity by ensuring that all applicants of the same type receive the same concession.

The Recovery of Rates and Charges

Council will exercise its rate recovery powers pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4 Part 12 of the
Local Government Regulation 2012 in order to maintain liquidity through adequate cash flows and
to reduce the overall rate burden on ratepayers, and will be guided by the principles of:
     Equity by treating all ratepayers in similar circumstances in the same manner and by having
      regard to their capacity to pay;
     Transparency by making clear the obligations of ratepayers and the processes used by Council
      in assisting them to meet their financial obligations; and
     Flexibility by accommodating ratepayers’ needs through short-term payment arrangements.

Council may use its other powers under the Local Government Act and Local Government
Regulation to recover overdue rates and charges. In particular, Council may exercise its power
under section 95 of the Local Government Act to register a charge over land where rates and charges
become overdue.

Alternatively, Council may elect to bring court proceedings against a ratepayer to recover overdue
rates and charges as a debt pursuant to section 134 of the Local Government Regulation.

Cost Recovery Fees

All fees and charges will be set with reference to cost recovery pricing. Commercial charges will be
at market rates and / or apply the competitive neutrality principle.

New Development Costs

Developer contributions for infrastructure are determined each year in accordance with the
philosophy that a developer should pay reasonable and relevant contributions towards the capital
cost of the provision of infrastructure to meet past and future augmentation costs associated with
new development, subject to State Government requirements. Infrastructure agreements are
negotiated outcomes between Council and the developer.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All Council staff are bound by the principles outlined in this policy in determining the level of rates,
fees and charges, and in the application of concessions relating to those rates, fees and charges.

RELEVANT LEGISLATION

Local Government Act 2009
Local Government Regulation 2012




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