(Photo: SBRC)
A proposal to offer primary producers an extra 30 days discount period on their latest rates notice split the South Burnett Regional Council today.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann, who proposed the idea, said he was certain all councillors were aware the region’s farmers were finding it very difficult to cope with the current drought.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I’ve never seen things as bad as they are right now,” he said.
After the area’s drought declaration on March 7, he said he’d been approached by “an agricultural group” to see if Council could offer any assistance.
He felt Council should do something to show its support and thought providing an extra 30 days grace on the latest quarterly rates bill would be a useful response.
A motion to do so was moved by Cr Kathy Duff and seconded by Cr Ros Heit.
But Cr Barry Green said he couldn’t support the motion unless the extra discount period was extended to all ratepayers, not just primary producers.
“This will drive a wedge into our community,” he said.
“There shouldn’t be any demarcation line between our residents.”
Cr Green said the South Burnett was a rural community so when farmers had a hard time, many small businesses and townsfolk did too.
“When things get tough in this area, it’s our small businesses who keep us going by giving extra credit to their customers,” he said.
“They keep this area running. But in return, they get nothing. So if we’re doing this, it should be for everyone or for no one.”
The motion was put to a vote and was passed 6 to 1, with Cr Green asking that his opposition be placed “on the record”.
“Mark my words,” Cr Green warned.
“We have created a precedent here that will come back to bite us one day.”
