The Hunter Business Chamber says Newcastle Council’s decision to lift rates by almost 50 per cent over five years needs to be ‘seriously reconsidered’.
The Chamber believes the rise would be a significant burden on businesses and families.
“I fail to understand how council believes businesses will be able to bear this impost when many are already struggling, especially retailers located within Newcastle’s CBD,” said President Ross Taggart.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, new Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes used her casting vote to push the 46.9 per cent increase through.
If approved by IPART, the average resident will pay an extra $100 each year.
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