Navigating challenges of the Special Rate Variation proposal

Supporting our community through the Special Rate Variation (SRV)

As president of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the privilege of hearing firsthand the hopes, challenges, and ambitions of our vibrant business community. The proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) by the Gunnedah Shire Council has sparked significant conversation, and rightly so—it represents both an opportunity and a challenge for our region.

Understanding the SRV proposal

The council’s revised SRV proposal, developed after listening to community feedback, outlines a cumulative increase of 37.67 per cent over two years. Residential, business, and farmland categories will see a 15 per cent annual increase, resulting in a 32.25 per cent cumulative rise. Meanwhile, the mining category faces a more substantial 85.13 per increase over the same period. These adjustments aim to fund vital infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and community facilities, ensuring Gunnedah’s long-term financial sustainability.

It is important to note that this SRV remains a proposal at this stage and has not been finalised. While we recognise the importance of these investments, I understand the concerns of many in our community about the financial strain this may place, especially on small and medium enterprises. Our role at the Chamber is to advocate for balance—to support the infrastructure our region needs while ensuring the burden on businesses and households is manageable.

Chamber’s position and commitment

Our position is clear: we are here to champion the needs of our community. We advocate for economic sustainability, targeted support for businesses, and greater collaboration with the council. Transparency in how SRV funds are allocated is critical, and we strongly urge the council to prioritise projects that deliver clear benefits to our local community, such as improved roads, enhanced parking facilities, and beautification initiatives.

Equally, we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with the council to address your concerns. Through ongoing dialogue, we aim to ensure that your voices are not just heard but acted upon. We’re also pushing for practical measures like flexible payment plans and subsidies to ease the financial pressure on businesses.

A call to action: Your voice matters

This is where you come in. We need your input to strengthen our advocacy efforts. The Chamber has launched a Special Rate Variation (SRV) poll to capture the perspectives of businesses, residents, and stakeholders across Gunnedah. Your feedback will shape our conversations with the council and ensure that our community’s voice is loud and clear.

Importantly, the results of this poll will be transparently shared with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) as part of the council’s submission process. Your input is critical in ensuring that the council and IPART understand the real impacts of the proposed SRV on our community.

This poll is more than just a survey—it’s your opportunity to influence the future of our region. Share your thoughts on the proposed SRV, its impacts, and the areas where you believe funding should be prioritised. Together, we can create solutions that work for everyone.

Take the poll now and have your say: www.gunnedah.org.au/raterisepoll

Let’s work together to ensure Gunnedah continues to grow and thrive. By supporting one another and advocating for fair, balanced solutions, we can overcome challenges and build a brighter future for our community. I invite you to join me in this effort—let’s make your voice count.

– CJ Baldry Adams, Gunnedah

Chamber of Commerce president.

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