2020/21 Budget - Council to discount sewerage charges for not-for-profit sporting clubs

Not-for-profit sporting clubs across the city will be eligible for a staggering 50 per cent discount on their sewerage charges as part of Townsville City Council’s 2020-21 budget.

Mayor Jenny Hill said Council had been staying in touch with clubs throughout the COVID crisis to understand the sort of support they needed.

“Our teams have been on the phone and out and about talking with the community and we have listened.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been far reaching and it hasn’t left anyone untouched – including not-for-profits that rely on memberships and government assistance,” Cr Hill said.

“Any support that Council came up with had to be carefully considered because we could not pass the cost on to other families and ratepayers – which is why we have included a 50 per cent discount on sewerage charges for not-for-profit sporting clubs in this budget.

“Commercial businesses are able to claim this cost back on tax and any discounts for business would have potentially meant an increase in charges for households which we were not prepared to do.

“This discount for not-for-profits will provide some much-needed relief to those that may be struggling, while allowing us to freeze general rates increases for owner-occupiers.”

Sports and Recreation Committee Chair Maurie Soars said it was an important move that would support the clubs through the next 12 months.

“We are hearing that COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our local sporting clubs,” Cr Soars said.

“That’s why Council has included a 50 per cent discount on sewerage charges for the not-for-profit sporting groups as part of the $25 million in community assistance through the 2020-21 budget.

“This will relieve some of the pressure our sporting clubs are facing and let them focus on rebuilding their memberships and preparing to begin their seasons again.”