Independent unit retirees furious at councils’ plans to impose charges

PENSIONERS living in retirement villages run by not-for-profits organisations are up in arms over plans to impose rates on their independent units.

Retirees from Clarence and Hobart council areas at the launch of a campaign to fight rates rises. Pictures: SAM ROSEWARNE

PENSIONERS living in retirement villages run by not-for-profits organisations are up in arms over plans to impose rates on their independent units.

Retirement village residents from the Hobart and Clarence municipalities met yesterday to launch a campaign against the possible introduction of general rates being levied on their properties.

The contention lies over a section of the Local Government Act that states properties including “land or part of land owned and occupied exclusively for charitable purposes” are exempt from paying rates.

Many of the state’s retirement villages are run by not-for-profit organisations and have been traditionally exempt from paying rates for each ­individual home.

Aged and Community Services Tasmania president Greg Burgess said if Hobart and Clarence city councils went ahead with plans to start imposing rates on these homes, other councils would soon follow and the amount would only continue to increase over time.

“There’s been no indication from councils that additional services would be provided within the villages for the extra money,” Mr Burgess said.

Kingborough and Meander Valley councils already impose rates on independent living ­facilities.

A.A. Lord Homes resident Howard Richardson said the proposed Hobart and Clarence changes could cost residents an extra $1000 or more each year.

Claude Conlan and Albert Hudson, of Freemasons’ Homes of Southern Tasmania, at Lindisfarne, said it would be an unfair impost on residents.

“If this unjust ruling goes ahead, councils will reap large revenue at our expense – all we will get is a large financial burden,” Mr Hudson said.

Southern Cross Care chairman Ray Groom, left, speaks with Independent Federal MP for Denison Andrew Wilkie after the meeting.

Hobart City Council fin­ance committee chairman Philip Cocker said the council’s plans were about ensuring fair rates distribution.

“This is not an exercise about money – it’s about applying the law, based on external legal advice,” he said.

“The council has on num­erous occasions asked the Tasmanian Government to review the legislation and provide clarity.”

Clarence City Council general manager Andrew Paul said there were 5500 pensioners who did not live in independent living units in the municipality.

“We’re just trying to ensure ... we treat everyone equitably,” he said.