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Page Last Updated:
Tuesday, 30 December 2008 |
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Home>Council Services>Environment>Taking Care of Your Land>Environmental Enhancement Policy and Rate Rebate
| The policy aim is to provide rural landowners with a monetary incentive (an upfront rate rebate) to undertake works that will improve the environment. The policy rewards successful implementation of works that address land degradation.
The policy was introduced in response to community concern regarding the increase in land degradation within the Shire caused by noxious weeds, pest animals and soil erosion driven by factors including rapid land-use change, land speculation, encroaching urbanisation and an increase in absentee landowners.
The target participants are rural properties greater than two hectares. Almost 1300 properties are currently involved in the scheme.
The policy identifies actions that, if successfully undertaken, will enable landholders to retain the rebate on municipal rates. The policy requires strict compliance with the terms on which the rebate was granted.
The policy requires forms detailing proposed works be submitted to Council at specified times of the year. Works are inspected and if successfully implemented the rebate is retained. Otherwise a supplementary rates notice is issued for the amount of the rebate.
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| It is important to note the following: |
 | Council does not take a zero tolerance approach to weed control but rather encourages landholders to reach agreed outcomes and arrangements where unforseen issues arise. | | The Department of Primary Industries, not Council, is responsible for the enforcement of noxious weed control throughout the State. | | Council acts only as an advisory body to landholder when seeking planning permits. | | The links between retention of the rebate and undertaking unapproved landfill, rock removal and native vegetation removal has been removed. However, a permit is required to undertake these activities (some excemptions apply). Please contact Council's Planning department for further information. | | Council at all times will strictly adhere to the Information Privacy Act 2000
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