Murphy opposes golf club rating rebate
A suggestion that Baw Baw Shire remove a rate rebate given to Warragul Country Club was not supported by council.
Council’s rating strategy was presented for adoption last week.
But Cr Gerard Murphy suggested the rate rebate offered to Warragul Country Club should be removed.
Cr Murphy said the club was a commercial operation and had the ability to pay full rates.
Under council’s rating strategy, recreation properties are given a 100 per cent rates rebate.
The Warragul Country Club is offered a 47 per cent rebate, reducing its $29,399 rate bill by $13,817.
Cr Murphy argued the country club had a way of making money.
“Other clubs don’t have the chance to make money. In some ways I don’t think there should be a leg up, this is a business.
Cr Peter Kostos said he was not sure how this would change the facts and figures of the budget at this late stage so maybe council could look at it next year.
Cr Murray Cook said Cr Murphy was throwing the balance in the air at the 11th hour.
Cr Cook said the 47 per cent rebate reflected it was a sport and recreation facility but they also have an income on the side.
“Some of the other clubs have a bar and make money as well,” he said. Cr Murphy’s motion was defeated. More than $32,000 is offered in rate rebates to 13 properties under council’s cultural and recreation rates policy.
Properties receiving the 100 per cent rebate include: Drouin Bowling Club, Drouin Golf Club, Garfield Wattleway Raceway/Drouin Speedway, Longwarry Bowls Club, Moe Field and Game and Angling Club, Neerim District Bowling Club, Thorpdale Bowling Club, Trafalgar Bowls Club, Trafalgar Golf Club, Trafalgar Park Bowls Cub, Warragul Bowls Club, Warragul Drouin Pistol Club, and Yarragon Bowls Club.