2014-06-26 Budget Meeting Attachment D

STRATEGIC POLICY – REVENUE POLICY


In accordance with Section 120(1) (b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 other charitable
organisations, community groups, and sporting associations may also be entitled to concessions.

The purpose of these concessions is to encourage and support charitable organisations,
community groups, and sporting associations as they contribute to the health and well-being of the
community and the social cohesion of the region.

In exercising these concession powers Council will be guided by the principles of:
 transparency by making clear the requirements necessary to receive concessions; and
 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 a strong financial position 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 2009 and Local Government
Regulation 2012 to recover overdue rates and charges. In particular, Council may exercise its
power under section 95 of the Local Government Act 2009 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 2012.


Cost Recovery Fees

All fees and charges will be set with reference to full cost pricing. Cost recovery fees will be
charged up to a maximum of full cost. Commercial charges will be at commercial rates.


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.




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