With external factors such as rate capping and extreme weather events in recent years, the demand for infrastructure improvements exceeds Council's currently available financial resources.
Special rate or charge scheme projects fill the gap between existing infrastructure, often provided as part of the original land development, and current community expectations.
Therefore, if it can be demonstrated that properties will receive a special benefit from implementing new infrastructure works and have a minimum two thirds (66.66 per cent) of support from benefiting property owners, Council will utilise the special charge or rate scheme process available in the Local Government Act to provide some or all of the necessary funds, depending on the level of special benefit and community benefit received from the works.
The calculation of the maximum total levy for a special charge scheme must comply with Section 163(2), (2A) and (2B) of the Act and the Guidelines made by the Minister for Local Government pursuant to Section 163(2C) of the Act.
In the case of typical road construction, the cost will be shared between Council and benefitting property owners. Refer to Table 2 of the updated endorsed policy. The apportionment of costs between individual benefiting property owners will be calculated based on the frontage length and access. Refer to Section 8.1. of the revised draft policy (Apportionment Principles). For drainage infrastructure, refer to Section 8.1.2. of the revised draft policy (Drainage Network).