Separate Rate – East End

The East End separate rate consultation received 90 written submissions. Detailed results of the consultation are presented in the attached  document tilted “Results East End Separate Rate Consultation”

Summary of results:

• 64% (58 out of 90) respondents were ratepayers in the East End;
• 71% of respondents did not support the East End separate rate proposal (64 people out of 90). 76% of commercial ratepayers (i.e. those who would be liable for the levy) did not support it;
• 93% of all participating ratepayers were Commercial ratepayers (75 out of 81)
• Specific objections to the proposal included that:
  • the proposed amount of the separate rate was  too high;
  • only selected levy-payers would benefit;
  • the separate rate would drive businesses away from the area;
  • it was an untested proposal; and
  • Council should provide the services proposed, funded by the general rate.

To download the results, please click here.

Council decided not to introduce a separate rate in the East End and West End at this time.

 On 26 March at Council meeting the following decisions were made:

1. Council notes that the results of public consultation in the East End were discussed at a confidential workshop at the meeting of the Finance and Corporate Governance Committee on 23 January 2013
2. Council notes the results of the public consultation related to the introduction of a separate rate in the East End and West.
3. Council notes the public release of the above results, together with a list of participants by name and address and their level of support for the introduction of a separate rate, as required by Council’s Communication and Consultation Policy and the Local Government Act 1999.
4. Council resolves that a separate rate is not introduced in the East End and West End at this time.
5. Council requests the Administration to prepare a report on any other funding models which may be available to support place-making and development initiatives in the business districts of the city.
6. Council notes that Administration is preparing a draft policy and operating guidelines for the introduction of a separate rate, for use by Council and Precinct Groups interested in exploring the application of a separate rate, with a view to seeking Council endorsement of a draft policy and guidelines for the purpose of formal community consultation by 30 June 2013.
7. Council notes that Administration will consult with Precinct Groups in the development of a separate rate policy and operating guidelines.

What is happening with the results of public consultations carried out by Adelaide City Council on a possibility of introducing a separate rate in two areas of the City?

Council has now completed public consultations for the East End and West End of the City. Council considered the results of consultation in the East End in a confidential workshop held on 23 January 2013. It is anticipated that a formal report covering results from both consultations will be submitted to Council Committee for further consideration.

For more information about the separate rate public consultations please contact Iwona Pattison on 8203 7219 or via e-mail: i.pattison@adelaidecitycouncil.com

This communication is to provide you with an update on the progress of consultation and Council’s impending decision on the proposal. Council’s original intention was to review results of the consultation in December 2012 and resolve whether or not to progress with the implementation of a separate rate in the East End. However due to a large volume of reports and the holiday season approaching, the East End Separate Rate decision has been deferred until February 2013.

It is envisaged that the summary of the  consultation results will be available on Yoursay Adelaide City Council website (http://yoursay.adelaidecitycouncil.com/separate-rate-eas-end) early in February 2013 prior to Council’s formal decision.

If you have any questions on the East End separate rate please contact Iwona Pattison on 8203 7219 or via e-mail: i.pattison@adelaidecitycouncil.com