Airports await fees verdict

A COURT case brought against the state’s two biggest airports has been adjourned following a week-long hearing in the Federal Court in Hobart.

Clarence City Council and Northern Midlands Council are in dispute with Hobart Airport and Launceston Airport, respectively, over unpaid fees the councils say are worth millions of dollars. Airports on federal land are exempt from paying rates under state legislation but are required to pay councils a rate equivalent.

Hobart and Launceston airports were both found to have increased in value by the state’s Valuer-General in 2013 but both airports actively dispute the revaluations.

The councils claim the airports selectively altered what parts of their properties should be subject to rates following the 2013 valuations.

A decision in favour of the councils could have implications for airports across the country.

Justice David O’Callaghan will receive written submissions in relation to the case in coming weeks, and attorneysgeneral of all states will be notified of an aspect of the case relating to the status of a fire service levy charged by councils, and will be able to intervene if they wish.

Justice O’Callaghan adjourned the hearing to a date to be fixed and thanked lawyers for the councils, airports and Federal Government for the quality of their submissions.

Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman earlier this year said his council had been receiving the pre-2013 rates equivalent from Hobart Airport for the past six years.