Councillors to consider Mildura City Heart Special Rate process

Published on 18 December 2023

Mildura Rural City Councillors will this week consider a report detailing how the Mildura City Heart (MCH) Special Rate 2024-30 would be implemented next year.

Deputy Mayor Mark Eckel said the report comes ahead of the existing Special Rate expiring on 30 June 2024.

The Special Rate is applied to 368 properties within a designated boundary in Mildura’s CBD and funds Mildura City Heart Inc., which is directly responsible for marketing and business development within the precinct.

The report Councillors will consider this Thursday proposes extending the new term of the Special Rate from the existing five years to six years at the request of Mildura City Heart Board and Management.

Cr Eckel said the MCH Board had indicated extending the term to six years would allow it to better focus on the future of the precinct.

“The Board has told us that extending the term of the Special Rate would allow Mildura City Heart to plan longer-term initiatives with more certainty, which is a positive in terms of outcomes for the CBD and our community,” the Deputy Mayor said.

The report to be considered this week outlines a comprehensive consultation process, including writing to each tenant, ratepayer and landlord within the Special Rate boundary notifying them of the proposed changes and inviting submissions.

The new terms of the Special Rate would also be advertised more broadly in the community.

MCH Chair Jacqui Tilley said the Board would also directly consult with CBD traders.

Ms Tilley said if the proposed changes to the Special Rate process were endorsed this week, and supported by MCH businesses, the Board would consider options for more traders to contribute in the future.

“We know there are other traders within the CBD, adjacent to the current Special Rate footprint, that have shown interest in the benefits provided by the program, such as the Mildura City Heart Gift Card program,” she said.

“If the Special Rate process is adopted and supported, we’re looking to our Rules of Association for guidance on an ‘opt-in’ option for these businesses, allowing them to enjoy these same benefits.”

If the Special Rate process is endorsed this week, traders and the community will have a longer than usual period to provide their feedback. This is due to the timing of this week’s Council meeting so close to the Christmas/New Year period.

Feedback will taken until Monday 5 February 2024.

The submission process will be advertised once a decision is made this week.

ENDS