West End Partnership Funding Model

The West End separate rate consultation received 96 written submissions. Detailed results of the consultation are presented in the attached  document tilted “West End Partnership Funding Model public consultation 2013 results”

Summary of results:

• 79 out of 96 respondents were ratepayers (82%);
• 80% of respondents disagreed with the West End Partnership Funding Model proposal (77 people out of 96); 86% of commercial ratepayers disagreed with the proposal;
• Amongst respondents there were three property owners who made a separate submission for each property they own in the West End. This resulted in 32 submissions from 3 property owners who strongly disagree with the proposal;
• 85% of participating ratepayers were commercial ratepayers (51 out of 60);
• 72% of respondents (69 out of 96 people) identified their business as being located between King William Street and Morphett Street;
• Specific objections to the proposal included that:
  • the levy is in addition to already high rates;
  • the levy is inappropriate in a difficult economic climate;
  • there is little benefit and any benefits achieved would apply to selected ratepayers only; and
  • the proposal is an untried model.

If you would like to download these 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.

Latest news: 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.comThe Adelaide West End Association and Council recently surveyed all businesses in the West End of Adelaide to seek their views on opportunities to improve the precinct.