ARARAT Rural City mayor Glenda McLean has offered Emma Kealy the chance to discuss rates after the Lowan MP urged councils not to abandon differential rates.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Lowan MP Emma Kealy is welcome to discuss the Ararat Council rates with me anytime,” Cr McLean said.
“Many farmers have told me they want the same system as Moyne and it has no differential rates. In the meantime I remind Emma that councillors did not want to “make a quick buck from farmers.”
“What we want is a fair system whereby Ararat residents in particular don’t continue to pay the high rates burden.
“What we also need is a fair system for all groups of business ratepayers in this municipality.”
Ms Kealy issued a statement last week calling on Cr McLean, as the new Ararat Rural City mayor, to rule out pursuing “uniform rates” and provide confidence for ratepayers.
“Council must demonstrate that it has learnt its lesson from the commission of inquiry and will treat rural property owners in Ararat Rural City with the respect they deserve”,” Ms Kealy said.
Related stories:
- Live Blog: Ararat Rural City special meeting in response to inquiry
- Seven-figure bill from Ararat inquiry: Deputy Mayor
- Ararat council votes to keep differential rates
- Ararat Rural City council meeting live blog
- Ararat Rural City ordered to pay inquiry costs
- Ararat CEO departure questioned
- Minister tells Ararat Rural City to dump rates plan
- Commission of Inquiry to consider range of evidence
- ‘No faith’ in Ararat Rural City over rates
- As it happened: rates inquiry blog
- Farmers overcharged under new rates, VFF says
- Inquiry into ‘extreme’ Ararat differential rates plan
- Ararat Rural City councillors defer rates plan