NT Government asks Darwin council to waive, defer rates

DARWIN council has been asked to waive three months worth of rates by the NT Government, followed by three months of deferred rates, to help relieve residents and local businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

Darwin council, led by Kon Vatskalis, pictured, has been asked to waive three months worth of rates by the NT Government, followed by three months of deferred rates, to help relieve residents and local businesses during the coronavirus crisis. Picture: Keri Megelus

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DARWIN council has been asked to waive three months worth of rates by the NT Government, followed by three months of deferred rates, to help relieve residents and local businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

In a letter written to Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the waiver, which he asked be followed by a three month deferral of rates, would compliment a $180 million hardship package offered to Darwin businesses.

Mr Vatskalis said the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors had been looking for support from the federal government to keep council afloat but have been redirected to state governments to come up with specific relief measures.

“The Federal Government did nothing to provide support to the local governments and the Territory government is now asking council to defer rates and forego rates,” he said.

“It’s something we will be considering.”

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Council will continue to work with the government to develop a proposed stimulus package which would help councils deliver programs, business development and infrastructure packages as part of COVID-19 recovery, but wouldn’t comment on what projects may be put forward.