Parking waiver extended

TWEED ratepayers will continue to put their hands in the pockets to help bring new businesses into the historical town of Murwillumbah.

For the past 12 months theTweed Shire Council has waived the requirement for businesses to have the necessary parking.

This was introduced to help start-up businesses afford to move into empty shops.

At last night’s council meeting, councillors voted 4-3 in favour of extending the program for a further 12 months.

So far the scheme has cost ratepayers $33,976 but is expected to cost ratepayers $135,904 as a result of the first 12 months.

Greens Mayor Katie Milne voted against extending the scheme because it was costing ratepayers and Liberal councillor James Owen agreed with her. He said it was a rare occasion when he and Cr Warren Polglase agreed with the Mayor.

Councillors Pryce Allsop, Ron Cooper, Chris Cherry and Reece Byrnes voted in favour of extending it.