Draft Assistance Program Aimed at Stimulating Local Economic Growth

Thursday July 31, 2014

A draft economic development assistance program designed to encourage additional economic activities and stimulate the development and construction sectors in the Griffith area is currently on exhibition for public input.

The ‘Griffith Local Economic Development Assistance Program’ will provide developers a rebate of the Section 94A contributions required for new Development Applications (DAs) and a partial rebate for DAs already determined but not yet completed, should completion be achieved before June 30, 2016.

Council is committed to doing what it can to assist the local economy through the current tough times, according to Mayor John Dal Broi.

“This program is expected to simulate the planning, development, construction and services sectors and drive investment growth, enabling Griffith to be seen as an ideal place for investment and relocation,” Councillor Dal Broi said.

Neil Southorn, Council’s Director of Sustainable Development, said Development Applications (DAs) will continue to have a condition of consent to make a section 94A contributions in accordance with Council’s Contributions Plan. However, the following rebate of the value of section 94A contributions will be applied:

• 100% for new DAs made if and when the draft ‘Griffith Local Economic Development Assistance Program’ goes into effect,
• 60% of the value of Section 94A contributions for DAs already lodged but not yet determined, and   
• 30% of the value of Section 94A contributions for DAs approved and either started or not yet started but that have not been issued with a final Occupation Certificate or other certificate of completion.

Rebates are only available to developments which receive final approval for occupation or other certificate of completion by close of business on June 30, 2016. The rebate will be made to the entity that holds the benefit of the consent at the time of occupation or completion.

Copies of the draft ‘Griffith Local Economic Development Assistance Program’ are available at Council’s Administration Building at 1 Benerembah Street or the Griffith City Library. The draft policy can also be viewed online: http://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?p=DOC-PEK-04-88-50.

Written submissions regarding the draft program should be made to the General Manager, Griffith City Council, PO Box 485, Griffith NSW 2680 and will be received up to 4pm on Friday August 15, 2014. For inquiries, contact Neil Southorn on 6962 8100.