Light Electorate Office 148 Murray Street GAWlER SA 5118
[email protected] phone(08)85222878 Mr Glenn Docherty fax (08) 8523 1392 Mayor City of Playford 12 Bishopstone Drive DAVOREN PARK SA 5113 Dear Mayor Docherty Rating Policy Review Consultation Paper I write to you in response to the numerous representations I have received from ratepayers in the City of Playford regarding the proposals the Council is considering to adopt for its rating policy for the 2017/18 and subsequent financial years. At the outset, I wish to thank your senior staff for making time to brief me on the history and objectives of the rating options considered and the process adopted by Council to engage the community. I note that policy options do not generate additional revenue. However, they significantly alter the rates burden across different ratepayer groups. I understand that the intention of the policy proposals is to reduce the burden of rates on the existing 'commercial' properties, with some rate relief on residential properties that have a lower value. I was advised that this will be achieved by introducing new rating categories. In particular, removing primary production properties from the general rate and placing them into a new 'primary production' rating classification. While a number of residential properties will receive some (in my view relatively minor) rate relief, a number of residents will experience quite significant rate increases. Properties with a capital value of more than about $250,000 will incur rate increases, in addition to any general rate increases. I certainly would not consider people living in homes of $250,000 to $350,000 as wealthy.