Introduction

Purpose

This policy provides guidance for implementing and delivering services paid for through contributions as part of a Special Rates and Charge Scheme pursuant to Section 163 of the Local Government Act 1989.

A Special Rates and Charge Scheme is a funding model by which the City can recover the costs or part thereof from property owners where works or services provide a special benefit to those property owners.

Context

The Local Government Act 1989 enables Councils to levy a special rate and charge to help pay for any council service or activity that may be of benefit to a particular group of property owners. Special Rate and Charge Schemes enable the City to provide services to the community that would otherwise be impeded by budgets and timing. With the enactment of a Scheme the City can implement services at a quicker rate that would be of benefit not only to individual properties but also to the greater community.

These schemes are not limited to infrastructure and can be applied to other services within the City such as marketing promotion or economic development

For new land developments the cost of constructing sealed roads kerb and channel footpaths drainage street lighting and other capital infrastructure is apportioned across the lots by the developer. . In this way the purchasers of the lots and subsequent owners have paid for the infrastructure benefits derived by their property.. If a property is sold without specific infrastructure or services present it's equitable the property owner contributes to the cost of providing a special benefit for their property.

Scope

This policy outlines the decision - making process and criteria for Special Rates and Charge Schemes where the provision of these services or infrastructure items are deemed to provide a special benefit to property owners or certain members of the community. Services include but are not limited to:

• Design and construction of infrastructure works:
  • New sealed roads
  • Sealing unsealed roads or laneways
  • Traffic management
  • Kerb and channel
  • Footpaths
  • Drainage works – easements drains
  • Street lighting
• Marketing and promotion

Definitions

This section defines the key terms used in this policy.

City - The City of Greater Geelong organisation led by the CEO.

Council - The City of Greater Geelong Council is comprised of elected councillors led by the Mayor.

ELT - The Executive Leadership Team of the City.

Submission Review Panel (SRP) - A panel of Councillors to allow property owners