Rates holiday to bring jobs
AS A carrot to bring big businesses to the region, Clarence Valley Council is looking at giving businesses a "holiday" on their rates if they bring new jobs.
At last night's ordinary meeting in Maclean, Cr Craig Howe's idea was supported unanimously. Staff will investigate the legalities and logistics of offering a five-year no-rate period followed by five years of 50% discount on rates for new business in the Valley employing 25 or more people.
Cr Howe said the region wasn't attracting many large employers and it was timely to look into this incentive.
"If there's someone wavering over coming here, if this tips them over the edge ... fantastic," he said.
There's no timeline on the staff's investigation but a report is unlikely before the council elections, therefore a new elected body will choose whether or not to implement the scheme.
