Bill bid to halt fees

BUSINESSES would win a reprieve from increased or new council fees until 2025 under a Liberal Nationals Bill expected to be debated in parliament this week.

Local Government shadow minister Richard Riordan said the parties wanted to suspend local councils from setting new, or increasing existing fees, for businesses as they move to meet outdoor-trading rules.

“Local councils and the government should be doing everything in their power to revitalise community organisations, businesses and regions that have suffered so much through repeated lockdowns and strict restrictions,” Mr Riordan said.

“We need to ensure the money gets to where it needs to be, supporting businesses and workers, not propping up local council balance sheets.”

Last week, the state government announced a $54.5m package that will help businesses with costs associated with outdoor trading, and help councils further support businesses.

As part of the package about 1400 regional business will be eligible for $2000 grants for costs associated with outdoor operations such as hiring marquees, screens and umbrellas.

Mr Riordan said the Bill was proposed after some inner-Melbourne councils moved to hit businesses with $5000 fees to trade outdoors.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor Anthony Aitken, chair of its finance portfolio, said the proposal was “poor policy development”.

“It actually needs to be discussed with (the local government) sector because it (would have) a significant impact on the financial viability of councils.

“We already have rate capping, so this would further constrain our finances.”

Mr Aitken described the policy push as “naive” and said if the Bill was successful it would ultimately have an impact on the services council could offer.

Mr Aitken said council’s finances were due to run at a deficit in coming years, which added further pressure to its operation.