50 years ago

The Express, August 18, 1976

Ratepayers urged: vote against plan

 

THE Narracan Shire Ratepayers’ Association is urging ratepayers to reject the shire council’s proposal to build a civic complex.

It says in a newsletter to ratepayers that the complex, for the shire office and workshops, has been estimated to cost $750,000.

Association president, Mr D. Auchterlonie, said that this sum, if funded over 40 years, would climb to $2,287,500 based on an interest rate of 10.25 per cent.

Mr Auchterlonie urged ratepayers to voice their opinion at the municipal elections this month.

He said: “We cannot afford to pay higher rates – a majority of the councillors say we can. It is up to the voters to voice their opinion. The ballot box is the only way.”

 

30 years ago

The Express, August 19, 1996

Diesel rebate welcomed

 

GIPPSLAND MPs Peter McGauran and Russell Broadbent have welcomed the federal government’s decision to retain the diesel fuel rebate for the farming sector.

Liberal MHR for McMillan Broadbent said the decision to retain the rebate was a “significant win for regional and rural jobs”.

“The rebate is critical for local jobs, not to mention the role it plays in earning valuable export income,” he said.

According to National Party MHR for Gippsland, Mr McGauran, “the decision ends months of speculation and gives certainty to the Gippsland farming community”.

“The government will also retain rebates for the mining industry, although there will be some minor alterations to eligibility. At the same time, the government has authorised a systematic crackdown on scheme rorts, including the illegal use of rebated fuel.”

 

10 years ago

The Express, August 18, 2016

Speak up before it’s too late

 

A MIRBOO North vegetable grower says time is “running out” to convince the federal government to abandon the backpacker tax.

Victorian Farmers Federation horticulture vice president Emma Germano said farmers needed to make submissions to the backpacker tax review before September 2.

It follows Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announcing a review into a proposed 32.5 per cent tax on working holiday makers to come into effect on January 1.

“Backpackers are a major source of labour for farmers across the nation and this tax threatens to drive them away to choose working holidays in other nations,” Ms Germano said.

The VFF and its partner organisation, the National Farmers Federation, will lodge a submission opposing the backpacker tax.