Retailers are feeling the pinch of increasing rates, say Ballarat business owners, in the light of revelations City of Ballarat differential rate multipliers are twice that of Geelong’s and a third higher than Bendigo’s CBD.
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As revealed yesterday, comparative differential rate multipliers – how council calculates its rates income – for businesses in Ballarat are .011. The three commercial rates in Bendigo are all between .007 and .008. Geelong’s CBD rate is .0053 across all commercial areas.
Raceline Motorcycles owner Matt Polson says the rates for his Shepherd Street business have increased by $400 over the past 18 months, making the bill for his 178m square shop $5,500 a year.
“The rates here are more than Melbourne,” Mr Polson said.
“We get absolutely no services – no bin pick-up. Even the residents get that. I’ve got mates in the (Bridge) Mall with businesses who are thinking of getting out. Maybe if the council made the effort to come around and talk to business ratepayers they might understand a bit.”
Commerce Ballarat’s CEO Jodie Gillett told The Courier, “We understand that there are many factors to take into consideration when a Council sets their rate structure, including the size of the rate catchment area, but it is always important to keep front of mind the business community and their critical contribution to the city.
“If there is ever an opportunity for consideration for rate relief it would be welcomed by many industries that are under pressure from increasing day to day costs.”
In a statement, City of Ballarat said “comparing one of the City of Greater Geelong’s commercial rates and the City of Ballarat’s commercial rate is inaccurate. Comparing council rate quantifiers fails to take into consideration the complex equations used to calculate rates. All rate assessments are classified according to the Local Government Act, in the case of differential rates a council’s rating strategy must be adhered to.”
City of Ballarat accused The Courier of ‘misinformation’. The Courier stands by its reporting of the matter.
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