Country club requests increased rate subsidy

Warragul Country Club has asked Baw Baw Shire Council to increase its rate subsidy in order to reduce the significant hike in rates the club is facing this year.

Club chief executive officer Michael Hodge said rates for the club’s 44 hectare property, which is zoned residential, had tripled in this year’s revaluation process.

In dollar terms, he said their rates were expected to increase from $22,094 a year to $59,713.

Budget papers currently show WCC will receive a 47 per cent rebate on its rates, valued at $28,065. Thirteen other sport and community organisations will receive a 100 per cent rebate on their rates.

The club’s submission said the tripling of their rates was “unfair and unreasonable.”

Mr Hodge said the golf club was unique in not attracting a 100 per cent rebate like other sporting clubs.

He said the club was not entirely sure how the 47 per cent rebate was derived but they assumed it was based on 47 per cent non-pokies revenue and 53 per cent revenue from pokies.

“The valuation is what it is. We are seeking consideration from council to move that rebate amount.

“Our audited annual report shows that pokies revenue for the past two years was 34 per cent and 35 per cent.

Mr Hodge asked council to review the rebate and a fairer way of striking the rebate.

He said the club employed 70 people and was a big supporter of local disability services employment programs as well as community grants.

Mr Hodge said the growth of the business was in golf and hospitality with food revenue at the club growing significantly.