Monash Council introduces rates waiver as community suffers from coronavirus crisis
An eastern suburbs council has cut rates for more than 80,000 ratepayers as a gesture of support during the coronavirus pandemic, prompting a push for other Melbourne councils to do the same.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Monash Council has slashed rates for more than 80,000 ratepayers in the wake of the financial devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The council made the decision to introduce the waiver in the 2020-21 draft budget on the grounds of financial hardship under section 171 of the Local Government Act.
It applies to all 81,319 Monash ratepayers.
While rates will go up by an average of 2 per cent, ratepayers will then be provided with a 10 per cent waiver.
Mayor Stuart James said the decision recognised the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Monash community and was a gesture of support.
“It’s a decision that we have been able to make because of prudent financial planning over many years,” Cr James said.
He said the economic and emotional long-term impacts of the crisis were still unknown, but those factors had contributed to the council’s proposed budget.
“When this crisis began, we promised we would be there for our community during the tough times and during the recovery, and this is as tough as it gets, he said.
Cr James said rates contributed to essential services including rubbish collection, libraries, road maintenance and meals on wheels.
“We know these are services that are important to the community and we have taken steps to ensure these continue,” he said.
Cr Theo Zographos said he welcomed the move for Monash ratepayers.
“Most councils aren’t thinking the same way, we need to be influencing those councils to get further in touch with their communities as things might get worse before they are better in the next six months,” Cr Zographos said.
Ratepayers Victoria Dean Hurlston said he applauded the council for putting ratepayers first.
“This is what real leadership looks like when unexpected circumstances impacts our community,” Mr Hurlston said.
“All councils should follow the lead of Monash and cut non-essential spending to provide rate relief for ratepayers,” he said.
MORE NEWS
KMART, DEAKIN UNIVERSITY, WATTLE PARK, DRIVE-IN CINEMA
MILDURA TRUCKIE MATTHEW ROBERTS JAILED FOR ROLE IN SYNDICATE