Mornington Peninsula Shire plans to offer 20 per cent rate cut for households switching to solar
A Mornington Peninsula council scheme that would offer 20 per cent rate cuts to households that install or upgrade solar power is being described as “disgusting climate elitism”.
South East
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Mornington Peninsula ratepayers who don’t install new solar power would be forced to fund a generous discount for households that make the switch, under a new proposal by the local council.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is considering a 20 per cent rate cat for households who
install, replace or upgrade solar systems over 5kw after July 1.
Ratepayers that are unable or unwilling to take up the offer would be forced to pay extra rates to keep the scheme cost neutral.
The discount would apply for up to five years and be available only for properties with a capital improved value valued under $2m.
Households that have already installed solar power would also not qualify for the discount.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is seeking feedback about the initiative, which was discussed at a council briefing.
Council Watch president Dean Hurlston slammed the proposal as “disgusting climate elitism” that punished those who could least afford it.
“This is what happens when you allow out of touch ideological bureaucrats with no life experience in paying bills make decisions in an echo chamber,” Mr Hurlston said.
He also questioned how the scheme would be rolled out and feared solar providers would not be able to cope with a surge in demand.
Mornington Peninsula mayor Simon Brooks said the proposal demonstrated the council’s commitment to tackle climate change and help reduce energy costs for residents.
Mr Brooks said about 22 per cent of residential dwellings already had solar power and “early adopters” would have likely benefited from generous rebates offered by the state and federal governments.
“But for those who are yet to install solar these rebates don’t cover all the costs,” Mr Brooks said.
“That’s where we believe our rate discount will give households and landlords a further incentive to opt for solar.”
He said according to the shire’s calculations the scheme would lead to a “very low increase” in rates for those not opting in.
“For example, if 1000 properties successfully apply for the discount, the average increase in rates for remaining properties would be around $3,” he said.
However, the Herald Sun has been told the extra costs would be much higher for some ratepayers.
Under the state government’s Fair Go rates system a cap of 2.75 per cent has been announced for 2024/35
The rate cap applies to a council’s total rate revenue only – not individual properties. Individual rates bills may increase or decrease by more (or less) than the capped rise amount due to their valuation movements.
The Herald Sun understands Mornington Peninsula councillors have discussed applying for an exemption from the cap in 2024/25.
Ratepayers were slugged 3.5 per cent more last financial year, the highest increase in seven years.
The shire came under fire for slapping a string of new charges onto its bin tax for 2023/24
Ratepayers were slugged 22 per cent more after six new charges were added to the waste levy.
In addition to paying $35 more for weekly garbage and fortnightly recycling collections ratepayers were charged and additional $45 for tip vouchers for renters, extra ‘no charge’ green waste days, and more patrols by the council’s clean team.
The increase also covers the cost of chasing illegal dumpers, a second chemical collection day and one more ‘free’ tip voucher for ratepayers.