Proposal to declare and levy a special charge for households who have participated in the Solar Savers program

In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) notice, it is hereby given that Hepburn Shire Council (council) at its meeting on 18 December 2018 resolved to give notice of the intention to declare and levy a special charge under Section 163 of the Act.

The special charge is for the purpose of defraying the expenses incurred by council relating to the provision of solar energy systems of residential properties participating in the Solar Savers scheme (Scheme). These residential properties have signed an agreement based on the quoted cost of the provision of a solar energy system at their property.
The Scheme arises out of Council’s function of advocating and promoting proposals which are in the best interests of the community and ensuring the peace, order and good government of Council’s municipal district.

A copy of the proposed declaration, known as ‘Proposed Special Charge Scheme for Solar Savers Program’ is available for inspection at Council’s Offices at 10 Duke St Daylesford during normal office hours until 12 February 2019.

The special charge is to be declared in relation to the properties listed in the Appendix to the report titled Proposed Special Charge scheme for Solar Savers Program, to be considered by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 19 February 2019. A copy of the Appendix forms part of the documents available for inspection at Council’s offices.

The Scheme has been prepared on the basis that the participating property owners will receive 100% of the benefit. The total cost of the scheme is $221,653 and a special charge will be imposed on each property participating in the Scheme in respect of which a Householder Agreement has been executed which applies for a period of 10 years from 1 July 2019. The special charge will be calculated by reference to the site of the solar energy system being installed and the particular costs of installation at each property.

The special charge will be Ievied by notice forwarded to the property owner(s). Council will, by request, allow payment of the special charge by either full payment in a single lump sum or by quarterly instalments over 10 years, with the first payment due from 1 July 2019.

Any person may make a submission under Section 223 of the Act in relation to Council’s proposal to declare the special charge under Section 163 of the Act.
Any person who has made a written submission may also request that they (or a person acting on their behalf) be heard in support of their written submission. Such persons should indicate in their submission if they wish to be heard by Council.

Council will consider and, if requested, hear support for all written submissions received before 5pm 12 February 2019 at the Hearing of Submissions Committee meeting on 14 February 2019 to be convened if required.

Submissions should be addressed to:

CONTACT NAME        Dominic Murphy
POSITION                     Sustainability Officer
COUNCIL                      Hepburn Shire Council
ADDRESS                     76 Vincent St, Daylesford
POSTAL ADDRESS    PO Box 21 Daylesford VIC 3460

In addition to the right to make a Submission, participating property owners have the right to object to the proposed declaration in accordance with Section 163B of the Act. Such persons may object in writing to Council by 5pm 12 February 2019 by sending their objection to the above address.

It is stressed that any submission should clearly state if the author wishes to be heard by the Council, and whether the submission is a submission of support or comment only, or a formal Objection to the scheme as proposed.

It is proposed that Council will consider this matter at its Ordinary Meeting of 19 February 2019. Further information on this Scheme may be obtained from Dominic Murphy – Sustainability Officer on (03) 5321 6490 or dmurphy@hepburn.vic.gov.au.