The Gawler Council has reversed a decision to immediately remove the discretionary rate rebate previously granted to the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club (G&BJC).

The removal of the discretionary rate rebate at Council’s 2023/24 budget meeting resulted in an immediate increase of about $40,000 per annum, representing a 126% increase in one year.

While welcoming the decision made by Council, Local Member of Parliament, Mr Piccolo said the initial decision to remove the discretionary rebate highlighted a major inequity in Council’s rating policies, that needs to be addressed.

“I cannot understand why the G&BJC are treated the same as Woolworths, Coles and Aldi when it comes to rating policy.”

“Their capacity to raise revenue is very different and they play a very different role in our community compared to the national businesses.”

“In my view, Council needs to engage with the community and have an open and transparent conversation with stakeholders as to what would be a fair and equitable rating policy when it comes to non-residential properties.”

Following an unsuccessful attempt to have the decision reviewed internally, the G&BJC approached Mr Piccolo for his advice and assistance to have the matter reconsidered by the Council.

Mr Piccolo addressed the Council at its April meeting describing the decision to unilaterally remove the rebate as “harsh, unreasonable and oppressive.”

Mr Piccolo said that while he understood Council must make tough decisions to repair their budget in the current economic climate, decisions nevertheless, still need to be fair and equitable.

“You would be hard pressed to find any person who would say the 126% increase is fair and reasonable.

At the meeting in April, Mr Piccolo said that “…what would be fair and equitable would be to implement the decision over a reasonable number of budget years.”

This is what the Council agreed to do at its meeting held during the week.

Mr Tony Harnett, a local businessman and member of the G&BJC Committee addressed the Council on Tuesday night and put the case as to why the discretion rebate should be applied.

Mr Piccolo said the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club is a locally incorporated not-for-profit organisation, not Racing SA or the TAB, and is comprised of locals who try to make a living in the industry, support local businesses and, in many cases, volunteer their time.