AUGUST 26, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Animal attraction
(Zoos Victoria)
Werribee Open Range Zoo may be closed to the general public due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the animals are still receiving the best of care. Zoos Victoria has released a series of new behind-the-scenes photos, from cheetahs chasing lures to meerkat mealtimes, highlighting the ongoing care of its animals throughout COVID-19. ■ More pictures: Page 9
Rates rebate slammed By Alesha Capone A Wyndham council decision to ofer rates relief for some residents due to the coronavirus pandemic has been criticised by dissenting councillors. A majority of councillors last week voted in favour of a motion put forward by Cr Intaj Khan, giving residents receiving JobKeeper the ability to apply for a $100 rebate on this year’s rates bill. For pensioners, the council will ofer an additional $50 of their rates, on top of the state government’s existing rebate.
Cr Khan said the rebate would not cause “a big hole” in the budget, while Cr Mia Shaw said the amendment would strengthen the council’s hardship policy “in a responsible way”. However, councillors who voted against the idea, including Heather Marcus and Henry Barlow, questioned why some residents, such as those receiving a JobSeeker payment, would not receive a rebate. Cr Marcus said she voted in favour of a previous motion by Cr Khan a month ago to give all residents rates relief, but that she could not support his latest idea. She said the latest motion would discriminate
against many residents and she was “very, very angry about it”. Cr Barlow described the motion as “irresponsible”. He said the council had seen no costings on the amendment, or eligibility guidelines. “We cannot allocate ratepayer’s money without guidelines,” he said. “his is, in my view, a dereliction of our duty as councillors.” Cr Tony Hooper said that giving an individual a one-of $100 rates rebate would amount to them beneiting by less than $36 per quarter. “Quite honestly, if we are going to be going down the track of supporting our community,
whittling away at our cash reserves is the craziest thing we can do,” Cr Hooper said. “his short-sighted political exercise, I think, will be seen for what it truly is.” Mayor Josh Gilligan said one rebate would be permitted per Wyndham household. “We know that COVID-19 has led to many members of our community doing it tough, and we want you to know that we’re here for you,” Cr Gilligan said. Overall, rates revenue collected by the council under the 2020-21 budget will increase by two per cent, in line with state government policy.
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