[Rebecca Coppolino]

Good morning

Goulburn Mulwaree Council have also received a request for 11 properties to be made Non-Rateable. The initial conversation with NSW Property was that Council believed all properties were held under a lease and that the residences were used for private purpose. We advised that under the current legislation GMC felt that they were right in rating each of these properties and would not change them to Non-Rateable.

NSW Property were insistent that all residence were occupied by NSW Police officers and that under the terms of ownership these dwelling could only ever be occupied by NSW Police Officers. At this time they advised that they would get their legal department to review Legislation, leases etc and reply accordingly. A response was received outlining case law and referring to their original request – it didn’t appear to be sent directly from the Legal department.

During my conversations with NSW Property they confirmed that a lease was held for each residence.

As mentioned above, if Councils are required to change these properties to Non-Rateable the impacts, particularly to Regional Councils will be significant. We understand that the income can still be recovered by the remainder of rateable properties – but it is these rateable properties that keep taking the hit every time a NSW Government body, Religious or Benevolent organisation make this request to Councils.

Hopefully OLG are able to provide Council’s with the support and information required to leave these properties as Rateable.

Rebecca & Julie