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COUNCIL SAYS NO TO CBD SPECIAL RATE

Thursday 05 May 2011

The Greater Bendigo City Council has resolved not to re-introduce a marketing and promotions special rate for the Bendigo CBD.


Earlier this year Council indicated its “in-principle” intention to support the levy and commenced a public consultation process which included writing to every affected business.


City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said as a result of this Council received a total of 199 objections to the levy and nine in support.


“Council has listened to the concerns of a large number of city centre businesses that have expressed their views and has decided not to re-introduce the special rate,” said Cr Fyffe.


He said the special rate levy was first introduced for all business within a defined area of the City Centre in 2007 to assist Bendigo Traders to undertake major marketing initiatives to promote the Bendigo City Centre.


“The levy was introduced at the request of the Bendigo Traders Association and the funds were essentially generated by the traders, for the traders.


“It was the traders themselves who wanted the special rate introduced and a fund established to develop major promotions similar to campaigns run in other parts of Victoria.


“Council’s role was simply to collect the funds on behalf of the Committee.


“While Council recognises the considerable efforts of the Bendigo Traders Association over the past four years we also believe it’s important to listen to the many businesses who took the time to provide their comments about the levy direct to Council.


“Council has simply listened to the views of the large number of affected businesses and acted accordingly,” said Cr Fyffe.
Updated: 9:36 AM, 24 May 2011