Feedback sought on draft Special Rate and Charge Policy until 31 August
Council says it is inviting residents to comment on a Draft Special Rate & Charge Policy, which would set out how property owners who directly benefit from new or upgraded infrastructure could contribute to its cost, with Council covering wider community benefit. The agenda for the 28 July meeting recommended endorsing the draft for consultation from 3 to 31 August 2026, along with a communications and engagement plan and community information sheet. Council notes the policy is not intended to fund maintenance activities such as road grading or drain maintenance, which are funded through general rates, and that a previous draft was not adopted in July 2024 after community feedback. Submissions close 5pm Monday 31 August 2026, with hard copy surveys available at the Bannockburn and Smythesdale customer hubs.
Why it matters: The policy would create an additional funding pathway for local infrastructure projects that could see benefiting property owners charged a share of the cost.