Port Stephens Council has pushed ahead with plans to offer rate relief for struggling residents in Williamtown’s red zone.
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At Tuesday night’s council meeting councillors voted in favour of rate relief for properties affected by PFAS. The reduction comes at a cost to other Port Stephens ratepayers, who will see an average bill increase of $2.71 for the year to make up the difference.
The plan will now go on public exhibition before its final approval.
A 50 per cent reduction, which equates to up to $680, is proposed for residents living in the primary zone of the management area. A 25 per cent reduction will be offered to residents in the secondary zone and a 10 per cent reduction for those living in the broader zone.
Mayor Ryan Palmer said the move was expected to save residents hundreds of dollars.
“We’re looking at any way we can help the people living in the Williamtown management area and a rate reduction is certainly something that will come as a relief for residents affected by PFAS,” he said.
“It’s not going to solve everything, but it is something that we can do to help at a local level.
“The reductions will be spread evenly across the remaining Port Stephens ratepayers, which I think most would agree is a modest price to pay to help those who are suffering in our community.”
The proposal will be included in council’s Statement of Revenue Policy for 2018-2019 and will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.