Councils Yet To Consider Sea Change Funding Proposals

The funding proposals, including an overhaul of developer contributions and a differential rating scheme for non-resident property owners, have been proposed by the economic consultancy MacroPlan Australia.

Scott Schubert, the Mayor of Victor Harbor in South Australia and Deputy Chair of the National Sea Change Taskforce, said the proposals would be considered in detail and canvassed with member councils before being adopted in submissions to State or Federal government.

The Taskforce represents some 60 coastal councils in all Australian states. It has been formed to work towards long term solutions to the challenge of population and tourism growth in coastal areas

“Coastal councils do not have the resources to cope with the rapid increase in demand for infrastructure and services associated with rapid growth,” Mr Schubert said.

“The rate of growth in coastal areas is around 50% higher than the national average and is gathering momentum. At the moment the burden of meeting the costs associated with that growth tends to fall on existing residents.

“Most councils would support the need to consider a new, more equitable approach to meeting the funding shortfall and that is what we are currently doing.”

Mr Schubert said the National Sea Change Taskforce did not support a proposal to introduce an additional tax on international tourism.

“I believe coastal councils should receive a proportion of the current tax and charges collected from international tourism but I would not support the imposition of a new charge,” he said.

Mr Schubert said the movement of population to the coast is a national issue and requires a coordinated national approach to safeguard the coastal lifestyle and environment for future generations.

He said the Taskforce has initiated a collaborative research project with the Planning Research Centre at The University of Sydney to assess the social, environmental and economic impact of sea change growth. The research is also aimed at identifying best practice models of local and regional planning for sea change communities.

“The National Sea Change Taskforce believes the sea change phenomenon can only be addressed effectively through a commitment on the part of local, State and Federal governments to work collaboratively to address the issue,” he said.

Further information Contact:

Alan Stokes – 0411 592 269