THE rate burden on farmers across the Millicent district could ultimately be eased if a proposal by Wattle Range councillor John Drew is supported.
In a motion with notice submitted to this afternoon’s monthly Wattle Range Council meeting, Cr Drew is seeking support to ask the State Government to redefine how forest land is valued.
It is understood his action could lead to pine forests owners meeting a greater share of council’s costs by paying higher rates through increased valuations.
If Cr Drew’s motion is passed, Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll will be asked to investigate and implement a more appropriate methodology for valuing forest land, including a mechanism that has parity with valuation changes of other primary producing lands within the region.
According to Cr Drew, the nature of the lease for council’s major plantation owner is such that forest land will not be sold.
“Therefore, there is no updated value on this land,” Cr Drew said.
“It seems the owner (the State Government in this case) is conflicted in the valuation of this land and the lessees are off the hook in regard to paying their fair share of rates.
“We are all aware of the skyrocketing land values that are causing some rate heartache for our farmers and graziers.
“On our part we support them with a discounted rate and the Federal Government with a tax rebate on rates.
“However, it is clear there is an increasing burden on our primary producers, particularly for those who are not in the ‘land buying’ mode and quietly get about their farming and are adversely affected by exaggerated neighbouring land prices.
“If forest land was rated on the basis of surrounding land sales the increase in rates will offset to some degree, the problems we face in equitably rating all landholders.”
The issue will be debated at tonight’s meeting.
