Feedback sought on draft Special Rate and Charge Policy
Council says it is inviting residents to comment on a draft Special Rate and Charge Policy, which sets out how property owners who directly benefit from new or upgraded local infrastructure could contribute to its cost, with Council covering wider community benefit. According to Council's release, any scheme would follow a seven-step process including early engagement, surveys of affected property owners, public notices and opportunities for written and verbal submissions. Feedback is open from Monday 3 August until 5pm Monday 31 August 2026 online, with hard copy surveys at the Bannockburn and Smythesdale customer hubs.
Why it matters: The policy would create an additional funding pathway for local infrastructure projects that directly benefit specific groups of properties.