A proposed decrease in the commercial/industrial rate for East Gippsland businesses has given them an early Christmas present.
While farmers are angry about a proposed rate hike of 13.98 per cent in this year’s East Gippsland Shire rate notices, commercial and industrial businesses are poised to receive a 14.32 per cent cut to to their rates.
Melissa and Mark Hopley who own the Potted Pear on Bairnsdale’s main street, said while a rate cut sounded good, they were cautious about welcoming it.
“My initial thought is what are they cutting?” Mrs Hopley questioned.
“Are they cutting services? Because that’s not a good thing if they are.”
Mr Hopley said the shire had supported businesses through the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, namely the East Gippsland Winter Festival, “and we wouldn’t like to see that go”.
The couple also expressed concern about the farm rate hike.

IMAGE: Maxi-Lou Hatton, of the Bairnsdale Emporium, welcomes the proposed East Gippsland Shire Council rate cut to commercial and industrial businesses but expected the rent would increase. K188-7305 (2)