Tourism & Economic Development Special Rate & Charge

At it's meeting on 9 July 2007, Council declared a combination of a special rate and a special charge, for the provision of programs and projects that deliver tourism and economic development benefits to Ballarat's commercial and industrial businesses. The previous 'Tourism and Economic Development Special Charge' expired on 30 June 2007.

The new Tourism and Economic Development Special Rate and Charge (TEDSR&C) was introduced for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2012.

Download the following information for further details of the proposal:

• Special Rate and Charge Explanatory Notes (PDF - 29KB)
• Special rate and Charge Public Notice (PDF - 37KB)
• Special Rate and Charge Key Programs (PDF - 43KB)
• Special Rate and Charge FAQs (PDF - 94KB)
• TEDSR&C Excluded Properties (PDF - 30KB)

What is the Special Rate & Charge?

The TEDSR&C is a combination of a special rate and a special charge levied by Council on commercial and industrial properties, based on the Capital Improved Value (CIV) of their property. The TEDSR&C is additional to the General Rates and Charges that are levied by Council.

The money raised will be spent on projects and initiatives that are considered to provide a special benefit to those businesses who pay the TEDSR&C. Funds raised will be used to increase opportunities and skills in the business sector; support tourism initiatives and promote the City of Ballarat as a place to visit, invest, work or live. See also Special Rate and Charge Key Programs (PDF - 43KB).

Who will Pay the Special Rate or Charge?

The special rate/charge will be levied on all of Ballarat's commercial and industrial properties (approximately 2,848 spread throughout the municipality). It will exclude vacant land and some specific properties occupied and used for telephone exchanges, telecommunication towers and electricity substations.

Right of Appeal

A person may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for a review of a decision of a Council imposing a special rate or charge on that person. Any such appeal must be lodged within 30 days after the issue of the notice to the person of the special rate or special charge (section 185 of the Local Government Act 1989). Details regarding the specific grounds of appeal and further information can be obtained by contacting Council's Revenue Section.

How will the Rate & Charge be Calculated?

Council has revised the TEDSC structure to make it more equitable by introducing a combination of a Special Rate and a Special Charge. From 1 July 2007 a special rate of 0.0831 cents in the dollar will apply to all affected properties with a property value, Capital Improved Value (CIV), less than $4 million [the CIV appears on the rate notice]. Properties with a CIV of $4 million or more, will pay a flat special charge of $3,340.

Previously the rate structure was based on seven categories, each with a specific flat charge which did not take account of the range of valuations of businesses in the category.

How Much will You be Charged?

The special rate is calculated on the property's CIV by multiplying the CIV by $0.000831 (or 0.0831% of CIV). The maximum charge will be capped at $3,340 for properties valued at $4 million or more. The median charge will be $220.

The following examples show estimated Special Rates and Special Charges proposed for 2007/2008 based on certain property valuations:

What does the Special Rate and Charge Provide?

• Tangibles - programs, branding, marketing, new events, new projects, new business, new residents, new jobs, new money, investor and community confidence.
• It's also about intangibles, things which are difficult to measure, but which are important in determining how we see ourselves and how others see us. It's also about pride, prestige and respect. The TEDSR&C makes the difference between a city which stakes its reputation and its future viability on history, heritage, and beautiful streetscapes, and one which is progressive, and forward looking, selling itself to the rest of the nation/world as a great place to live, work and invest.
• Without the TEDSR&C Ballarat will not continue to attract new residents, new industry, exciting events and new businesses. A decade of investment and hard work will be lost, the gap between Ballarat and its competitors will significantly widen, and Ballarat will struggle to remain competitive.
  
  See also Special Rate and Charge Key Programs (PDF - 43KB) 

Contact Details

For further information please phone Customer Service 03 5320 5500 or email ballcity@ballarat.vic.gov.au.