AN APPLICATION by Millicent Football Netball Club to receive a discount on its rates was met with lively debate at the monthly meeting of Wattle Range Council in Millicent on Tuesday.
The Saints faced a hefty $4500 rate hike after a new complex was built at McLaughlin Park in 2017, which incorporated changerooms, trainers’ rooms, time keeping box, gymnasium and meeting and coaches’ rooms.
The club was granted a 60pc rate discount worth $4200 following a vote by elected members, which attracted seven votes in favour and four against.
Development of the club complex saw its capital valuation climb from $430,000 to $1.25m, triggering a rate increase from $2524 to $7013.
Councillor Glenn Brown said it was appropriate for the club to pay the full amount, but Cr Peter Dunnicliff disagreed.
“We are punishing the club for improving its facilities,” Cr Dunnicliff said.
“Kalangadoo will be next,” said Cr Sharon Cox, in reference to the major female changerooms upgrade proposed for Kalangadoo Soldiers War Memorial Park.
Cr Dale Price warned against granting too many discretionary rating discounts as it would impact on council finances.
“We have spent a fortune over there (at McLaughlin Park),” Cr Price said.
Cr John Drew said such applications as the one submitted by the club were done on an ‘ad hoc’ basis and council needed to have a policy.
In reply, council chief executive Ben Gower said the policy on applying for discretionary rate discounts could be found in council’s draft budget for 2019/20.
Club president Joel Redman said the rate relief provided by council was welcome.
Mr Redman said the two parties had a healthy and respectful relationship.
“We are proud to be able to offer our facilities,” Mr Redman said.
“Auskick, Net Set Go, Millicent District Gala Day and high school carnivals are staged at McLaughlin Park and our clubrooms are used by service clubs and charity groups.
“It is pleasing council recognises this.”
He said Millicent currently fielded nine netball and seven football teams.
A written staff report presented to Tuesday’s meeting said the club met the eligibility criteria for rate relief.
“The club has formally occupied the area since 1968 via a lease agreement and during this period have developed a substantial multipurpose sports facility,” stated the report.
“The club has a formal ground lease agreement with Wattle Range Council and under the Local Government Act it is eligible to apply for a rebate.
It stated the club had applied for a discretionary rebate as the land provides facilities or services for children or young persons and the land is being used by an organisation which provides a benefit or service to the local community.
“Therefore, on this basis and to be consistent with previous Wattle Range Council decisions surrounding apportionment of rates payable between sporting grounds and clubhouse facilities, a discretionary 60pc rate rebate be granted.”
