16 February 2024 | PMHC Council considers motions on rate freeze and TCMP levy removal:

Port Macquarie Hastings residents, ratepayers and businesses will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on two key matters central to the future of our region’s financial sustainability. 

At Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, the Council considered reports on the impacts and options of two items: the potential rate freeze for 2024-2025, and the potential abolition of the Town Centre Master Plan (TCMP) component of the Port Macquarie Ordinary Business Rate. 

In summary, the Council resolved to include a 0.0% rate peg (a rate freeze) - and remove the Town Centre Masterplan component (levy) of the Port Macquarie Ordinary Business Rate and receive information on the potential redistribution of these rates across all ordinary rate sub-categories - into the development of 2024-25 Draft Operational Plan (OP).

Port Macquarie Hastings Council CEO, Dr Clare Allen, said staff will now consider these resolutions of the Council and incorporate them into the preparation of our Draft Operational Plan and Budget, which will go to the April Ordinary Meeting of Council.

“Once endorsed by Councillors, the Operational Plan and Budget will then be exhibited for a period of 28 days, providing the community with the opportunity to give feedback on how these matters may impact them,” Dr Allen said.

“The business will need to find additional savings of about $2.7 million in 2024-25 as a result of a rate freeze and explore suitable options to help mitigate the financial impacts of the removal of the TCMP in the development of the Draft OP. Once the Draft OP is endorsed, it will go on public exhibition for the community to have their say. 

"The feedback collected will inform the development of the final OP which will be considered by the Council in June,” Dr Allen said.

Above Left | Port Macquarie Mayor Peta Pinson | Right : Councillors discuss rate freeze.