CITY of Coffs Harbour Council has voted to recoup CBD Special Business Rate revenue deferred in 2020/21 due to Covid.
The move comes after Council’s City Centre Masterplan Committee asked for options to continue funding activation initiatives in the city centre.
In reviewing available options, City staff presented the option of ‘catching up’ the shortfall in general income that resulted from not applying the Special Business Rate to CBD businesses during the Covid pandemic.
Council had previously resolved to not recoup the shortfall.
The 10-year Special Business rate Expired in 2023, but under the Local Government Act, the City can recoup the amount foregone in 2020/21.
The levy will be applied exclusively to business properties located within the CBD, recovering approximately $700,000 in general rates income over three years.
City Centre Masterplan Committee Chair Oliver Gee said, “It’s an important time for our CBD – perhaps a once-in-a-generation moment – with the Coffs Bypass due to open late this year.
“It’s a chance to knit our CBD back together when the highway no longer bisects the city centre east from west.
“The need to continue special events, advertising and general support for businesses has probably never been greater.”
The proposed CBD Special Business Rate recoup will be included in the Draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges, and placed on public exhibition.
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