Commercial businesses in the Barkly are up in arms about a significant Council rate hike, but Barkly Regional Council is calling for calm and is reviewing the rise.
Council CEO Emma Bradbury said following the release of the 2022-23 rates notices last week, businesses in the region noticed their rates liability had increased significantly compared to last year, in some instances by more than 100 per cent.
Ms Bradbury says the increase was the result of the revaluation of commercial properties across the Barkly by the NT Valuer General.
“Council is aware that this increase places acute pressure on business owners already grappling with very significant financial challenges,” she said.
Council is committed to supporting the viability and sustainability of our local businesses. We are currently in contact with the Valuer General’s office on behalf of our ratepayers and will be seeking further information on options to review this situation.
Council welcomes any feedback from affected ratepayers to inform and assist us with our advocacy to the Valuer General.
Written feedback is encouraged to be sent to ceo@barkly.nt.gov.au
This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 9 September 2022.