West Coast Council calls for fair share given Hydro profit
Despite having a quarter of Hydro’s built capacity within its municipality, the West Coast Council has highlighted it receives less than $20,000 in rates from the organisation that has generated a profit of just under $150 million.
Newly re-elected West Coast Mayor, Shane Pitt said the Hydro Annual Report revealed a $149 million profit, but the West Coast had little to show for this, with the organisations annual rates bill being some $17,000 compared to an estimated $250,000 paid in rates to Hobart City Council for Hydro’s head office.
“Why is it that Hydro pays its fair share of rates in Hobart for offices when an estimated $30 m. in profit is generated on the West Coast and yet we get next to nothing for this,” Mayor Pitt said.
“While we have no problem with Hobart getting its rate revenue, it does highlight the inequity we face on the West Coast.
“Yet again we face the situation where, like the mining industry, the West Coast generates a significant share of revenue for an organisation yet gets short changed when it comes to a return.
“On the West Coast, we work hard to help do our bit for Tasmania, yet when it comes to the wealth we generate for all Tasmanians, we receive very little in return.
“It is important that local communities receive their fair share of the wealth generated in these important industries so they can continue to have a strong social license and be socially sustainable into the future.”
Mayor Pitt called on the State Government to come up with a more equitable model for the application of rates paid by Hydro Tasmania.
ENDS
For further information: Becher Townshend, Font PR, 0418 370 661