WATTLE Range Council will spend almost $1.3m on projects in the Penola Coonawarra district over the upcoming financial year, including $94,000 on the installation of WiFi in the main street, under its draft annual business plan and budget.
More than $573,000 will be spent on stormwater works as part of the stormwater infrastructure project at Arthur Street, with a further $143,000 earmarked for kerb works at the site.
The roof of the Penola Stadium will be upgraded and renewed, with a co-contribution of $30,000 by council and the state’s Education Department.
The plan is underpinned by rate changes described by council chief executive Ben Gower as the most significant in recent years.
Council is proposing a change in methodology from the current three rate code systems, which encompass township, rural living and rural, to nine land use rate code systems.
Residential ratepayers will now all be charged a flat rate, despite the location of their house.
Commercial and industrial properties will receive a 15pc discount on rates, primary production properties will receive a 25pc discount, while vacant and “other” land classifications will see an 120pc in rates.
“Most of the township will see no change because they were rated on a similar system, the commercial shops might get a discount and the wineries will be the same,” Mr Gower said.
“If there is a stand-alone cellar door that sits on its own title, they would then pay the commercial rate and would get a 15pc discount compared a cellar door connected to a winery, which would get a 25pc discount.”
“It is a significant change, but the new land use system gives us a bit more consistency.”
Mr Gower said the heightened rate for vacant land aimed to stimulate development.
“There are other councils that charge 200pc for commercial properties,” he said.
“We are giving commercial businesses a discount on their rates.
“Council wants to send a message saying Wattle Range is open for business.”
Mr Gower said the installation of WiFi in the main street was prompted by tourist data which showed almost 10pc of Penola Visitor Information Centre visitors used the free internet service.
“Putting WiFi in the main street will hopefully bring people into our shopping district,” he said.
“We want to encourage people to come to our bakery, come to our stores and stop for longer.”
The draft business plan and budget is currently open for consultation and will be discussed at next week’s monthly meeting.
Members of the public are encouraged to make submissions in relation to council’s draft business plan.
Written submissions must be received by 5pm on June 7.
