Council Minutes - Section B: Reports - 1 May 2018

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Reports tabled at the Special Meeting of Council on Wednesday date held at the Council Conference and Reception at City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

1. Adoption of Proposed 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget

1. Adoption of Proposed 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget

Purpose

To adopt the proposed 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget for a 28-day public submission period prior to adoption of the final Council Plan and Budget.

Background

Under section 125 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), Council must prepare a Council Plan by 30 June 2018. The Council Plan identifies the objectives and priorities of Council during its three-year term. The Council Plan 2018-22 has been in development since the return of Council in November 2017. It is the culmination of extensive consultation with councillors, the City and the community.

In accordance with section 127 of the Act, Council is required to prepare a budget for each financial year and must ensure that it contains all required statements, reports and data as prescribed by the Act. Refer to Appendix 1 for an outline of these requirements.

Key Issues

• Proposed Council Plan 2018-22:

• Is the key strategic document for councillors and the City.

• Contains 11 strategic priorities, each with deliverables and measures. Note that it does not capture normal service delivery functions.

• Includes measures based on the One Planet Living principles.

• Has overarching themes of sustainability, equity and community engagement.

• Is supported by the proposed Budget 2018-19, the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan and the region’s long-term Vision Greater Geelong; A Clever and Creative Future.

• Appendix 1 details the elements of the proposed Budget.

• Key outcomes achieved in the proposed 2018-19 Budget are:

1. A strategic approach to the prioritisation and development of community infrastructure;

2. A renewed focus on community priorities;

3. Continued investment in the development and revitalisation of central Geelong;

4. A fair and transparent unified grants program which aligns with strategic priorities; and

5. An investment in business productivity improvement.

• Appendix 2 provides a schedule declaring the differential rates and charges, as required by the Act.

• The Rating Strategy for 2018-19 contains Council Policy, procedure, rate assistance and information on the City’s approach to the raising of property rates updated to reflect the outcome of Council’s budget deliberations.

• The Minister for Local Government announced on 18 December 2017 that all Victorian Councils would have a rate cap imposed, limiting any increases to a maximum of 2.25%. The City did not apply for a variation to the rate cap for 2018-19.

Councillor Murnane moved, Councillor Murrihy seconded -

That Council:

1. Pursuant to sections 125 and 127 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act):

1. receives and considers the proposed 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget document, (Appendix 1), which includes Financial Statements and Statement of Human Resources, for the Budget and Strategic Resource Plan projections.

2. receives and considers the Rates, Municipal Charge, Waste Collection & Recycling Charge and other income (required to meet the appropriate financial requirements as proposed in the 2018-19 Budget package).

3. receives and considers the proposed declaration of Rates and Charges (Appendix 2), for the purpose of:

1. public scrutiny and comment;

2. inclusion within the Rating Strategy 2018-19 of Rate waivers under section 171 of the Act as detailed therein; and

3. inclusion within the Rating Strategy 2018-19 of Rate rebates, under section 169 of the Act as detailed therein.

2. advertises the proposed Council Plan 2018-22 and Budget 2018-19 document in the Geelong Advertiser on Wednesday, 2 May 2018 and makes it available for inspection at Customer Service Centres and on the Council website inviting written submissions from the public by 5pm on Tuesday, 29 May 2018.

3. appoints a Council Plan and Budget Submissions Panel consisting of councillor(s) (Panel) to:

1. consider any written submissions and to hear any person who wishes to address the Panel in support of a submission on the proposed Council Plan 2018-22 and Council Budget 2018-19 and Differential Rating, on a date to be confirmed by the Panel; and

2. report to Council in relation to the submissions that have been received and any recommended amendments to the proposed Council Plan 2018-22 and Budget 2018-19 and Differential Rating.

4. after considering the report of the Budget Submissions Panel, adopts the Budget and declares the rates at a Council Meeting on Tuesday, 26 June 2018.

5. advertises the adoption of the Council Plan and Budget including the declaration of the rates following the Council meeting.

Carried.

Attachment 1

Discussion

The proposed Council Plan 2018-22 and 2018-19 Budget for the financial year commencing 1 July 2018 has been completed.

The proposed Council Plan 2018-22 and 2018-19 Budget and document (Appendix 1) has been prepared on the basis of the best practice guidelines as developed by a local government industry taskforce and issued to all municipalities across Victoria. The proposed budget document has been developed under the following sections:

1. Link to Council Plan.

2. Services and Service Performance indicators.

3. Financial Statements.

4. Notes to the Financial Statements.

5. Financial Performance indicators.

6. Appendices.

In accordance with the Act, the proposed 2018-19 Budget also includes clear linkages to Council’s proposed Council Plan 2018-22, and its supporting key strategies and actions.

Specific inclusions in the proposed Budget are a summary by Council Plan Strategic Priorities:

• the activities and initiatives to be funded in the Budget;

• how the activities and initiatives will contribute to achieving the strategic priorities; and

• the measure of success in relation to each strategic priority.

In addition, a component of the proposed budget is the setting of rates and charges. The Minister for Local Government announced on 18 December 2017 that the 2018-19 rate cap would be 2.25% for all Victorian Councils. The Declaration of Rates and Charges for 2018-19 is attached (Appendix 2).

The formal Rating Strategy document will be updated to reflect Council’s statements of policy, procedure, general information and historical trends.

Council has declared a special rate in respect of the central business district of Geelong applicable to non-residential, non-exempt properties. The special rate is the Central Activities Area (CAA) Rate and is in addition to other rates and charges. The purpose of the special rate is to promote the CAA as a commercial shopping precinct using events, marketing and media.

Budget Summary

The 2018-19 Budget achieves a comprehensive income result of $80m including underlying result of $2.3m, recognition of infrastructure $45 million, capital income of $31.3 million and other $1.4 million.

The Capital program forecasts expenditure of $128.2 million in 2018-19. This includes carry over project funding from 2017-18 for incomplete projects of $48 million, $104.2 million of new project funding with $24 million forecast to carry over into 2019-20.

New loans of $42 million are proposed for 2018-19 including $27.1 million deferred loans from 2017-18. The projected total amount of loan borrowings as at 30 June 2019 is $80.6 million.

Rating Strategy 2018-19

The Rating Strategy document will be updated to reflect the outcome of Council’s budget deliberations.

Rates and charges are the major source of Council revenue accounting for 63.6% of the total Council revenue annually. An increase in rate income is required to meet the objectives of Council aspirations and community expectations for new infrastructure.

The Minister for Local Government announced on 18 December 2017 that the 2018-19 rate cap would be 2.25% for all Victorian Councils.

Not all Council charges are included in the rate cap calculation.

• Rates and the Municipal Charge are included in the rate cap calculation.

• The waste charge and the Fire Services Property Levy are not included in the rate cap calculation.

The 2017-18 base average rate is calculated as $1,526.24 and the 2018-19 Budget proposes this will increase by 2.25% to $1,560.58

The rate cap calculation for 2018-19 is:

The rates and charges for individual properties may have increased or decreased by a different percentage amount to the rate cap for the following reasons:

1. The valuation of a property relative to the valuation of another property in the municipal district.

2. The application of a differential rate based on land use.

3. The inclusion of other charges not included in the rate cap.

Current Year Rate Increases

1. After adjusting for the impact of the 2018 revaluation, the rate in the dollar for the Residential, Vacant land, Mixed Use and Farm differentials have increased in accordance with the 2.25% rate cap. Other differential rate in the dollar movement is as follows, Commercial has increased by 3.5%, Industrial has decreased by (0.10%), Cultural and Recreational has decreased by (6.4%) and Petroleum has decreased by (9.9%).

2. The Municipal Charge represents a fee on all rateable assessments as a contribution to the fixed and unavoidable costs of governance. The Municipal Charge is to increase from $98.55 to $102.00 or 3.5%.

3. The Waste Collection Service charge is calculated based on a fee for service, including direct, indirect and overhead costs. For 2018-19, the charge includes the introduction of a standard hard waste service. The charge is also impacted by significant increase in the cost of recycling processing and the EPA levy of $34.75 per tenement. The charge for 2018-19 will increase from $278.05 to $316.90 or 14%.

4. A section 162 Service Charge known as Additional Bins Service was introduced in 2016-17. Households may apply for an additional garbage bin, upsized garbage bin or recycling bin. The charges for 2018-19 are $141.90 for a 140 litre garbage bin, $99.50 to upgrade to a 240 litre garbage bin and $80.00 for a recycling bin.

5. The Farm rebate has been set at 36.3% to maintain an average rate increase consistent with residential rates and represents a cost to Council of $1.443m.

6. Council has reverted to the definition of Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963 from 2017-18. Any properties removed from the differential are eligible for a transitional rebate to the otherwise applicable rate. The transitional rebate is set at 50% for 2018-19.

7. The Housing Support Waiver for eligible Charitable Housing will be maintained for 2018-19 and is available upon application.

8. The Rates Assistance Waiver is retained for 2018-19 with the valuation threshold lowered from 50% to 45% to assist more ratepayers where the 2018 revaluation may cause financial hardship.

9. A rates waiver introduced for the New Corio Estate from 2013-14 recognising this inappropriate subdivision and Planning Scheme Amendment C243 will be maintained.

10. The pensioner concession will increase from $223.80 in accordance with movement in CPI for Melbourne as advised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics to an estimated $228.80 (to be confirmed in May 2018).

11. The gap between the Commercial and Industrial has been reduced from 31.5% in 2017-18 to 25.5% in 2018-19 in line with Council policy. The intention is for these two rates being set at the same rate in future years.

12. The Petroleum differential has been aligned to the Industrial rate in the dollar, as per Council’s adopted Statement of Principle.

Residential Rates and Charges

The average Capital Improved Value of residential properties within the municipality has increased from $403,091 to $481,846.

The total increase in rates and charges for the average residential property with a capital improved value of $481,846 is $67.64 or 4.5%. This increase is made up of $25.34 for General Rates, $3.45 for Municipal Charge and $38.85 for the Waste Collection Service.

Rate Waiver

Council declares a waiver under section 171 of the Act for residential land and farm land properties where the valuation of the assessment has increased between the 2016 valuation and the 2018 valuation by 45% or more and that increase is purely attributable to market factors, not attributable, in whole or in part, to improvements made to the assessment by the owner (or occupier). The amount of the waiver be set at:

1. between 25% and 49.99% of the general rates payable for the 2018-19 financial year, increasing pro rata according to the valuation increase, for valuation increases between 45% and 54.99%; and

2. 50% of the general rate payable for the 2018-19 financial year for valuation increases of 55% or more.

The waiver is designed to mitigate the impact of significant valuation increases for ratepayers who can demonstrate low income status (maximum income of $52,706).

Council declare a Housing Support waiver under section 171 of the Act of 100% of general rates and municipal charge for the following types of housing. Transitional, emergency, crisis housing, housing for legatees or war widows provided by the Geelong Legacy Club or provided by RSL, and supported housing for people with a disability.

This waiver recognises that these properties provide specific needs within the community. Application can be made to Council to have land classified as being eligible for the waiver.

The New Corio Estate is an old and inappropriate subdivision within an established farming zone in Corio. Since the land is zoned as farming land it cannot be developed for residential use with no services available for the area.

There is no prospect of these services becoming available in the future. In addition, environment reports in recent years have shown that the land contains significant native vegetation which Council is obligated to protect for future generations. Council adopted Planning Scheme amendment C243 which formally protects the native vegetation and provides some certainty over the future of the land. This amendment was approved by the Minister of Environment & Climate Control on 30 April 2013.

From 2013-14 Council declared a waiver under section 171 of the Act of 100% of general rates and municipal charge for privately owned properties in the New Corio Estate. This rates assistance waiver recognises the financial burden associated with ownership of the land and the encumbrances that prevents property owners from making any demands on Council services now and into the future.

Rate Structure

Council has 11 rating or tariff groups with the application of differential rates to each of these groups in accordance with section 161 of the Act. The finalised Ministerial Guidelines for Differential Rating were gazetted on 26 April 2013 and came into effect from 1 July 2013. The intention of the guidelines is to provide clarity, consistency and transparency. Council is required to consider the objectives, the suitable uses and the types of classes of land when introducing a differential rate. The guidelines establish three groups of types and classes of land categories for differential rates – those which are considered ‘appropriate’, those which must be ‘carefully considered’ by a council and those which would ‘not be appropriate’.

Financial Implications

The budget has been prepared in accordance with the direction provided by Council at the rate cap of 2.25%. Changes in rates, fees and charges have been structured to meet the financial requirements as proposed for the 2018-19 financial year.

Expenditure includes the continuation of Council services to the community.

The 2018-19 budget achieves a comprehensive income result of $80m including underlying result of $2.3 miliion, Recognition of infrastructure $45 million, capital income of $31.3 miliion and other $1.4 million.

The Capital program forecasts expenditure of $128.2 million in 2018-19. This includes Carryover project funding from 2017-18 for incomplete projects of $48 million, $104.2 million of new project funding with $24 million forecast to carryover into 2019-20.

New loans of $42 million are proposed for 2018-19 including $27.1 million deferred loans from 2017-18. The projected total amount of loan borrowings as at 30 June 2019 is $80.6 million.

Community Engagement

A Public Notice will be published in the Geelong Advertiser on Wednesday, 2 May 2018 advising that the Proposed 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget will be available for public scrutiny and inviting written submissions to be made.

Following the closing date for the written submissions on Tuesday 29 May 2018 at 5.00pm, it is proposed to convene a Council Plan and Budget Submissions Panel on Tuesday, 5 June 2018 to review any submissions that have been received. A report will then be put forward to Council on any recommended amendments to the Proposed Council Plan Budget.

Public Notice of the adopted Council Plan and Budget and declaration of rates and charges will be advertised following the Council Meeting.

Social Equity Considerations

The proposed budget identifies the sources and allocation of resources to implement the many social initiatives that impact on the community.

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications

The annual budget is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 and the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014. The process also recognises the need to align the annual budget to the direction and allocation of resources identified within the proposed Council Plan.

Alignment to Council Plan

This report identifies the activities Council will undertake in 2018-22 which are aligned to achieving the priorities in Council Plan 2018-22.

Conflict of Interest

No Council officers involved in the preparation of this report have a direct or indirect interest in any matter to which this report relates.

Risk Assessment

Under section 130 of the Act Council must adopt the Annual Budget by 30 June each year.

The budget has been developed in accordance with a timetable to ensure sufficient time to achieve 30 June adoption and to include community consultation, meetings of the Executive and Council to prepare the 2018-22 Council Plan and 2018-19 Budget. The timetable provides a framework to manage risk in order for Council to meet its statutory obligations and avoid adverse implications if the process is delayed.

Environmental Implications

The Proposed Budget identifies the sources and allocation of the resources to implement the many environmental initiatives that impact on the community as outlined with Council Plan 2018-22.

APPENDIX 1

2018-19 PROPOSED BUDGET

2018-19 Proposed Budget forms part of this report. It is provided as a separate document.

In accordance with section 127 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), Council is required to prepare a budget for each financial year and must ensure that it contains:

1. The budgeted statements in the form and containing the matters required by the regulations;

2. A description of the activities and initiatives to be funded in the budget;

3. A statement as to how the activities and initiatives described under paragraph (b) will contribute to achieving the strategic objectives specified in the Council Plan;

4. Separately identified Strategic Objectives to be undertaken during the financial year and service performance outcome indicators in relation to each Strategic Objective;

5. Any other details required by the regulations.

In addition, Council must ensure the budget considers the following:

1. The information the Council is required to declare under section 158(1);

2. If the Council intends to declare a differential rate under section 161, the details listed in section161(2), and

3. If the Council intends to declare a differential rate under section 161A, the details listed in section 161(2).

APPENDIX 2

DECLARATION OF RATES & CHARGES

1. Amount Intended to be raised by General Rates, Municipal Charge, and Annual Service Charge for the period 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019.

   An amount of $224,941,888 be declared as the amount which Council intends to raise by General Rates, Municipal Charge and the Annual Service Charge, which amount is calculated as follows:

   General Rates $177,708,537

   Municipal Charge $12,362,428; and

   Annual Service Charge $34,870,923.

2. General Rates

   1. 2.1 A general rate be declared for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

   2. 2.2 It be further declared that the general rate be raised by the application of differential rates.

   3. 2.3 A differential rate be respectively declared for rateable land having the respective characteristics specified below, which characteristics will form the criteria for each differential rate so declared.

   1. 2.3.1. Farm Land – means any land which:

   1. is not less than 2 hectares in area; and

   2. is used predominantly for the business of grazing (including agistment), dairying, pig-farming, poultry farming, fish farming, tree farming, bee-keeping, viticulture, horticulture, fruit growing or the growing of crops of any kind or for any combination of those activities; or

   3. satisfies the criteria for municipal purpose benefit for large holdings to the extent that it is, for example, land that is predominantly used and maintained for heritage, cultural or environmental purposes, or land that is held as natural bushland under a trust for nature covenant, or land that is held under some other type of similar formal undertaking.

   To avoid doubt, 'business' for the purposes of identifying Farm Land has the same meaning as that given to it by section 2(1) of the Valuation of Land Act 1960 for the same purpose, being a business that:

   1. has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character; and

   2. seeks to make a profit on a continuous or repetitive basis form its activities on the land; and

   3. is making a profit from its activities on the land, or that has a reasonable prospect of making a profit from its activities on the land if it continues to operate in the way that it is operating.

   2. 2.3.2 Residential Land - means any land:

   1. that is used exclusively for residential purposes; or

   2. on which a habitable building is erected, which building is unoccupied, and which is zoned residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   3. 2.3.3 Vacant Land - means any land:

   1. that does not have the characteristics of Farm Land; and

   2. on which no building is erected, save for any uninhabitable shed or shelter, the size of which does not exceed 5% of the total area of the land.

   4. 2.3.4 Petroleum Production Land – means any land that is:

   1. used primarily for the production or conveyance of petroleum and/or petroleum by-products; and

   2. is described as such in Schedule A.

   5. 2.3.5 Industrial Land – means any land that:

   1. does not have the characteristics of

   1. Vacant Land; or

   2. Commercial Land; or

   3. Petroleum Production Land; and

   2. is used predominantly for industrial purposes, which includes manufacturing, repairing, servicing, processing and reprocessing or warehousing.

   6. 2.3.6 Commercial Land – means any land that:

   1. does not have the characteristics of:

   1. Farm Land; or

   2. Industrial Land; or

   3. Petroleum Production Land; and

   2. is used predominantly for the sale of goods or services or other commercial purposes; or

   3. on which a habitable building is erected, which building is unoccupied, and which is zoned other than residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   7. 2.3.7 Mixed Use Land – means any land that:

   1. has the characteristics of Residential Land combined with the characteristics of Commercial Land or Industrial Land; and

   2. is used partly for residential purposes and partly for commercial and/or industrial purposes.

   8. 2.3.8 The Point – Residential Land - means any land that:

   1. is used exclusively for residential purposes; or

   2. on which a habitable building is erected, which building is unoccupied, and which is zoned residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme; and

   3. is described as such in Schedule A.

   9. 2.3.9 The Point – Vacant Land - means any land:

   1. that does not have the characteristics of Farm Land; and

   2. on which no building is erected save for any small uninhabitable storage shed or shelter, the size of which does not exceed 5% of the total land area; and

   3. is described as such in Schedule A.

   10. 2.3.10 The Point – Commercial Land - means any land that:

   1. does not have the characteristics of:

   1. Farm Land; or

   2. Industrial Land; and

   2. is used predominantly for the sale of goods or services, or other commercial purposes; or

   3. on which a habitable building is erected, which building is unoccupied, and which is zoned other than residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme; and

   4. is described as such in Schedule A.

   4. 2.4 A rate pursuant to the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963 be declared for rateable land having the respective characteristics specified below.

   1. 2.4.1 Cultural and Recreational Land -

   Any land which -

   1. has the characteristics of Recreational land as defined by the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963; and

   2. is described as such in Schedule A.

   5. 2.5 Each differential rate and Cultural and Recreation Lands Rate will be determined by multiplying the Capital Improved Value of each rateable land (categorised by the characteristics described in paragraph 2.3 and 2.4 by the relevant percentages indicated in the following table:

      CATEGORY %

      Farm Land .002390 (or .2390 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      A rebate of 36.3% of the CIV by rate in dollar in accordance with Council policy for farm rating.

      Residential Land .002390 (or .2390 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Vacant Land .003641 (or .3641 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      The Point Residential Land .002390 (or .2390 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      The Point Vacant Land .003641 (or .3641 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      The Point Commercial Land .005497 (or .5497 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Petroleum Production Land .006811 (or .6811 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Industrial Land .006811 (or .6811 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Commercial Land .005497 (or .5497 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Mixed Use Land .003604 (or .3604 percent of Capital Improved Value).

      Cultural and Recreational .001792 (or .1792 percent of Capital Improved Value).

   6. 2.6 It be recorded that Council considers that each differential rate will contribute to the equitable and efficient carrying out of Council functions; and that

      1. 2.6.1 the respective objectives of each differential rate be those specified in Schedule B;

      2. 2.6.2 the respective types or classes of land which are subject to each differential rate be those defined in Schedule B;

      3. 2.6.3 the respective uses and levels of each differential rate in relation to those respective types or classes of land be those described in Schedule B; and

      4. 2.6.4 the relevant

      1. uses of; and

      2. geographical locations of; and

      3. planning scheme zonings of; and

      4. types of buildings on the respective types or classes of land be those identified in Schedule B; and

   7. 2.7 It be confirmed that no amount is fixed as the minimum amount payable by way of general rate in respect of each rateable land within the municipal district.

3. Rebates

1. 3.1 Farm Rebate

   For 2018-19 Council declare a rebate under section 169 of the Act of 36.3% for all land classified and rated as farm land. Properties defined as farms will be entitled to a rebate recognising that there is a benefit to the community in encouraging the retention of large lot primary producing holdings. An application can be made to Council to have land classified as Farm land.

2. 3.2 Cultural and Recreational Rebate

   For 2018-19 Council declare a transitional rebate under section 169 of the Act for 50% of the difference between the Cultural and Recreational differential of the otherwise applicable differential. Properties that were eligible for the Cultural and Recreational differential in 2016-17 that are no longer eligible in 2017-18 will be encouraged to apply for this rebate.

4. Waivers

   1. 4.1 Rates Assistance Waivers

      Council declares a waiver of general rates under section 171 of the Act for the class of persons comprised of ratepayers in respect of assessments which are categorised as Residential Land or Farm Land where the valuation of the assessment has increased, between the 2016 valuation and the 2018 valuation, by 45% or more and that increase is purely attributable to market factors, not attributable, in whole or in part, to improvements made to the assessment by the owner (or occupier). The amount of the waiver is set at:

   1. 4.1.1 between 25% and 49.99% of the general rates payable for the 2018-19 financial year, increasing pro rata according to the valuation increase, for valuation increases between 45% and 54.99%; and

   2. 4.1.2 50% of the general rates for the 2018-19 financial year for valuation increases of 55% or more.

   The waiver is designed to mitigate the rates shock of a valuation increase.

   2. 4.2 For 2018-19 Council declares a Housing Support waiver of 100% of general rates and municipal charge under section 171 of the Act for the class of persons comprised of ratepayers in respect of assessments which contain the following types of housing:

   1. 4.2.1 transitional, emergency or crisis housing;

   2. 4.2.2 housing for Legatees or War Widows, provided by the Geelong Legacy Club or provided by RSL; and

   3. 4.2.3 supported housing for disabled people.

   This waiver recognises that these properties provide for specific needs within the community. Application can be made to Council to have land classified as being eligible for the waiver.

   3. 4.3 New Corio Estate (Inappropriate Subdivision)

      For 2018-19 financial year, Council declares a waiver of 100% of general rates and municipal charge under section 171 of the Act for the class of persons comprised of ratepayers in respect of assessments which are in private ownership within the inappropriate subdivision known as New Corio Estate. This rates assistance waiver recognises the financial burden associated with ownership of this land. Land within the New Corio Estate is zoned as farming land and the area has been determined to be an inappropriate subdivision due to the difficulty of providing utilities and drainage and due to its distance from other residential areas. The Minister for Environment & Climate Change has approved a native vegetation plan for this land in support of natural temperate grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains. The waiver recognises the ongoing encumbrances on the land that prevent owners from making any demands on Council services now and into the future.

5. Municipal Charge

1. 5.1 An annual municipal charge be declared for the period commencing 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

2. 5.2 The purpose of the municipal charge is to recover some of the administrative costs of the Council.

3. 5.3 The charge be the sum of $102.00 for each rateable property in the municipality.

4. 5.4 Applications for exemption for farm land in accordance with section 159 of the Act, is to be made within two months from the date of issue of annual rate notice.

6. Annual Service Charge

1. 6.1 An Annual Service Charge be declared for the period commencing 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

2. 6.2 The Annual Service Charge be declared for the collection and disposal of refuse.

3. 6.3 The Annual Service Charge be $316.90 for each rateable land and non-rateable land (or part) in respect of which the Annual Service Charge may be levied.

4. 6.4 The criteria specified below, be the criteria, which form the basis of the Annual Service Charge, so declared:

   Geographic existence within those areas of the municipal district in which Council provides a domestic refuse collection and disposal service. The charge will be raised irrespective of whether the service is used or not.

7. Annual Service Charge – Additional Bin Service

1. 7.1 An Annual Service Charge – Additional Bin Service, be declared for the period commencing 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

2. 7.2 The Annual Service Charge – Additional Bin Service, be declared for the collection and disposal of refuse.

3. 7.3 New Service Charge to apply if additional services are requested by the property owners who meet eligibility criteria.

4. 7.4 The criteria specified below, be the criteria, which form the basis of the Annual Service Charge – Additional Bin Service, so declared:

The additional bin service charge will be available via application, compliant with the following criteria:

• The property owner or their authorised agent signs the additional bin application form, provides appropriate supporting evidence and agrees to the applicable service charge;

• In all cases of application for additional bins, Council reserves the right to inspect the applicant’s existing bins to confirm that they are overloaded. If this cannot be confirmed, the additional bins will not be provided;

• The green waste additional bin will only become available when the Anakie Road Green Organics processing facility is fully operational.

Applications that meet the criteria will be billed via the Rate, Valuation & Charges notice.

If an application is received and approved in the first six months of the financial year, that is, from July to December, the full annual cost of the additional bin will be charged. If an application is received and approved in the second half of the financial year, that is January to June, half the annual cost will be charged.

The following costs will apply for the additional bin service:

• Garbage bin 140 litre $141.90 (for 2018-19)

• Garbage bin 240 litre $101.70 (for 2018-19)

• Recycling bin $ 80.00 (for 2018-19)

8. Central Activities Area Rate

   Council has declared a special rate in respect of the central business district of Geelong applicable to non-residential, non-exempt properties and is in addition to other rates and charges. The special rate is the Central Activities Area (CAA) Rate calculated based on the Capital improved valuation and a rate in the dollar. The purpose of the special rate is to promote the CAA as a commercial shopping precinct using events, marketing and media.

   A special rate has been declared for the period commencing on 1 July 2016 and concluding on 30 June 2021. The third year of the scheme (2018-19) will raise $1,090,009 ($1,066,024 in 2017-18). The rate in the dollar for 2018-19 is set at $0.0006785 and $0.0002222 for Cultural & Recreation (Cultural and Recreation properties are charged a reduced CAA rate, in accordance with the ratio of the recreation rate to the commercial rate).

9. Incentives

   No incentives be declared as the incentives to be given by Council for the payment of General Rates, Municipal Charge and the Annual Service Charge (described earlier in this document) before the dates fixed for their payment under section 167 of the Act.

10. Consequential

    1. 10.1 Notwithstanding anything said in any earlier Resolution of Council, the Geelong Advertiser be chosen, as the newspaper in which the public notice will appear.

    2. 10.2 The Responsible Officer of Council be authorised to levy and recover the General Rates, Municipal Charge and the Annual Service Charge described earlier in accordance with the Act.

11. Interest

    Interest on unpaid rates and charges will be charged in accordance with section 172 of the Act. Interest will be charged at the penalty interest rate of 10% for 2018-19. In proven cases of hardship where Council approves rates to be deferred, interest will be charged at 5.39% for 2018-19.

SCHEDULE A

1. Petroleum Production Land

   All that land generally bounded more or less by Princes Highway, Shell Parade, Corio Bay Foreshore, Wharf Road, Station Road and neighboring land.

2. The Point Residential Land

   All the residential land formerly described in Certificate of Title Volume 09901 Folio 324 and also described as Lot B LP 214468, Lot B PS 635643, PS 640648Y, PS 722221H, PS 722220K, PS 743868K, PS 732908M, PS 638301D, PS 635642R, PS722215C, PS 722214E, PS 743877, PS 816893, PS 743876 and PS 743878.

3. The Point Vacant Land

   All the vacant land formerly described in Certificate of Title Volume 09901 Folio 324 and also described as Lot B LP 214468, Lot B PS 635643, PS 640648Y, PS 722221H, PS 722220K, PS 743868K, PS 732908M, PS 638301D, PS 635642R, PS722215C, PS 722214E, PS 743877, PS 816893, PS 743876 and PS 743878.

4. The Point Commercial Land

   All the commercial land formerly described in Certificate of Title Volume 09901 Folio 324 and also described as Lot B LP 214468, Lot B PS 635643, PS 640648Y, PS 722221H, PS 722220K, PS 743868K, PS 732908M, PS 638301D, PS 635642R, PS722215C, PS 722214E, PS 743877, PS 816893, PS 743876 and PS 743878.

5. Cultural and Recreational Land

   Any land reserved under the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963 including the following:

Properties potentially eligible for the Cultural and Recreational rebate are:

SCHEDULE B

1. Farm Land

   Rating Objectives:

   1. To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   2. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   3. development and provision of health and community services; and

   4. provision of general support services.

   5. To encourage and support the business of primary production and, where appropriate, expand the business of primary production.

   These objectives will be met by setting the Farm Land differential at 100% of the Residential Land differential and by the provision of a farm rebate under section 169 of the Act.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.1

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   The level of the differential rate less the applicable rebate is the level, which Council considers it necessary to achieve the objectives specified above.

   Geographic Location

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

2. Residential Land

   Rating Objective:

   To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.2

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   The level of the differential rate is the level which Council considers is necessary to achieve the objectives specified above.

   Geographic Location

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

3. Vacant Land

   Rating Objectives:

   1. To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   2. To encourage the prompt development of vacant land to attract new residents and businesses to the City of Greater Geelong.

   3. To discourage untimely and unnecessary divisions of land.

   These objectives will be met by setting the Vacant Land differential at 152% of the Residential Land differential.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.3

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   Geographic Location

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Geelong Regional Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Geelong Regional Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   No building must be located on the land or constructed prior to 30 June 2019 save for any uninhabitable shed or shelter that does not exceed more than 5% of the total area of the land.

4. Petroleum Production Land

   Rating Objective:

   To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   The Petroleum Production Land differential is set at the Industrial Land rate differential from 2018-19.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously 2.3.4.

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   Geographic Location

   As described in Schedule A.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

5. Industrial Land

   Rating Objective:

   To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.5

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   Geographic Location

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

6. Commercial Land

   Rating Objective:

   To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.6

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

7. Mixed Use Land

   Rating Objective:

   To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services; and

   3. provision of general support services.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.7.

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   Wherever located within the municipal district.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

8. The Point – Residential Land

   Rating Objectives:

   1. To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council generally, including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services;

   3. provision of general support services; and

   4. management of environmentally sensitive land.

   2. To ensure that, following the development of the Point Land, and transfer to Council of the management of environmentally sensitive land, including the provision of a range of services around an existing waterway, constructed lake and canal system, an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of Council's management responsibilities will be made by the ratepayers in respect of that land.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.8

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   As described in Schedule A.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

9. The Point – Vacant Land

   Rating Objectives:

   1. To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of carrying out the functions of Council, generally including the:

   1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

   2. development and provision of health and community services;

   3. provision of general support services; and

   4. management of environmentally sensitive land.

   2. To ensure that, following the development of the Point Land, and transfer to Council of the management of environmentally sensitive land, including the provision of a range of services around an existing waterway, constructed lake and canal system, an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of Council's management responsibilities will be made by the ratepayers in respect of that land.

   Types and Classes

   Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.9

   Use and Level of Differential Rate

   The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

   As described in Schedule A.

   Use of Land

   Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Planning Scheme Zoning

   The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

   Types of Buildings

   All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

10. The Point – Commercial Land

    Rating Objectives:

    1. To ensure that all rateable land makes an equitable and efficient financial contribution to cost of carrying out the functions of Council, generally including the:

    1. construction and maintenance of public infrastructure;

    2. development and provision of health and community services;

    3. provision of general support services; and

    4. management of environmentally sensitive land.

    2. To ensure that, following the development of the Point Land, and transfer to Council of the management of environmentally sensitive land, including the provision of a range of services around an existing waterway, constructed lake and canal system, to ensure that an equitable and efficient financial contribution to the cost of Council's management responsibilities will be made by the ratepayers in respect of that land.

    Types and Classes

    Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.3.10

    Use and Level of Differential Rate

    The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

    As described in Schedule A.

    Use of Land

    Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

    Planning Scheme Zoning

    The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

    Types of Buildings

    All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to 30 June 2019.

11. Cultural and Recreational Land

    Has the characteristics of Recreational land as defined by the Cultural and Recreational Lands Act 1963.

    Types and Classes

    Rateable land having the relevant characteristics described previously in 2.4.1

    Use and Level of Differential Rate

    The differential rate will be used to fund some of those items of expenditure described in the Budget adopted by Council.

    As described in Schedule A.

    Use of Land

    Any use permitted under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

    Planning Scheme Zoning

    The zoning applicable to each rateable land within this category, as determined by consulting maps referred to in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

    Types of Buildings

    All buildings which are now constructed on the land or which are constructed prior to

    30 June 2019.

Close of Meeting

As there was no further business the meeting closed at 7:23pm on Tuesday 1 May 2018.

Signed: _________________________________________

Councillor Bruce Harwood (Mayor)

Date of Confirmation: _____________________________

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