New survey on business rate

Gosford Council has resolved to resurvey 340 Peninsula business property owners over the proposed Special Business Rate, amid concerns over the validity of most of the previous survey results.

It was also revealed that a meeting will take place in the near future on the Peninsula regarding the proposed rate.

A council report stated that out of the 279 surveys returned only 130 were eligible, with 18 in favour of the proposal and 111 against. One recipient was undecided.

From the ineligible responses, 124 were in favour of the proposed rate.

Reasons for ineligibility included survey forms appearing in a different format and not sent back to council in a council supplied return paid envelope.

Another 25 surveys, submitted with petitions, were deemed ineligible because they were from residents who did not own businesses in the relevant areas.

Of the 18 eligible responses in favour of the rate, nine people voted for Option One, two people for Option Two, four people for Option Three, and three property owners did not indicate a preference.

Option One is the least expensive of the three options.

A council report stated that "the comments contained in the 111 eligible 'no' responses varied from outrage at the imposition of an additional levy, dissatisfaction with council, dissatisfaction with the Chamber of Commerce, and a combination of all three."

The report also stated that two petitions were received with 105 and 65 signatures respectively which were against the introduction of the levy.

Of the 170 signatories on the petitions, 12 names appeared on both petitions and there were a number of property owners included who had already received a survey form and "presumably indicated a 'no' vote".

There were 378 properties on the Peninsula liable to pay the rate, according to the council report.

General manager Mr Peter Wilson told the May 10 council meeting that the new survey would be undertaken over the next two weeks.

Mr Wilson also stated that a meeting over the levy would be conducted on the Peninsula, as it would be "appropriate".

A report on the response from the new survey would be returned to council on June 7.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said "The chamber are disappointed this is going out yet again for survey but we understand council's position. It has to be done."

Mr Wales said there if there was any question over the validity of the results it needed to be addressed and rectified.

"Most importantly the chamber takes the view that if there is not support for the levy then so be it," Mr Wales said.

"Obviously there has to be broad support but the bottom line remains that somebody will have to pay to get the things done that were to be covered by the levy.

"Ultimately, the chamber will be going back to the council if the levy is unsuccessful and demanding that the necessary funds to improve street cleaning, maintenance, security, promotions and street upgrades be budgeted from the council's general revenue.

"And not providing the funds is simply not an option."

Mr Wales said the money had to come from somewhere otherwise businesses would continue to struggle, main streets would continue to lack the maintenance and businesses would continue to struggle with security issues, vandalism and anti social behaviour.

Lyle Stone, May 10 Council agenda FS.57, May 10