With changes for property rates in the works, Ararat Regional Business Association are calling for the community to consider the long-term impact for the community, particularly local businesses.
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“ARBA are calling on businesses to consider all avenues and think about the long-term effects of the Differential Rating Strategy,” ARBA president Jode-lee Wells said.
“With two options being considered by council, rates are an important aspect in contributing to the community and the region but also when promoting our region as a place to live, work and invest.
“We encourage everyone to get their voice heard, put in a submission and be counted.”
ARBA Treasurer Graeme Foster said the organisation is preparing a submission to make to the council regarding the issue.
The statement by ARBA comes after a 4-3 council vote to scrap differential rates.
The decision will see primary producers having to pay 100 per cent of a residential rate based on property values.
Ararat Rural City Council statistics show, as 24 per cent of the ratepayers in the region, they already shoulder 38 per cent of the rate burden. Under the proposed rating system residential rates based on property value would become uniform for general, industrial, commercial and farming sectors.
While this would mean farming properties would have a rate increase of potentially 45 per cent, the change would mean a decrease for every other sector.
Rumours about farmers planning to boycott local businesses if rate changes go ahead were dismissed by Victorian Farmers Federation’s Charlie de Fegely.
“We want to galvanise rural and urban communities,” Mr de Fegely said.
“We are working with the rural housing and while we don’t agree with the processes, it is forcing better communication.
“I know there people out there saying farmers will boycott local businesses. We certainly do not support any boycotts at all.
“Rural communities need to support each other.”
Packed community information sessions regarding the rate plans were held around the region by Ararat Rural City Council last week.
The chance to make a submission to the Ararat Rural City Council about rate changes ends on Friday, June 2.
The council will hear submissions at a meeting on Tuesday, June 6.
