By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A BERWICK op shop is one of two City of Casey charity stores that have been hit with a rates hike.
Berwick Opportunity Shop on Clyde Road said their annual rates soared to more than $4500 this year.
Warren Opportunity Shop in Narre Warren said their rates had also skyrocketed to $2725.51 – more than triple the value of last year’s rates notice.
The op shops raised the alarm following the rates hike, concerned the required extra funds will cripple needy community projects that rely on their donations.
Berwick Opportunity Shop president Margaret Ruse fears the reach of the volunteer-run shop will be stunted by the bill.
“Our concern is that some groups are going to miss out. We want some sort of support from council,” she said.
The Berwick charity store donate tens of thousands of dollars each year to community groups such as Officer Specialist School, Berwick CFA, Outlook in Pakenham, Preventing Youth Suicide and dozens more.
The City of Casey has admitted fault over the rates notice, but the admission will not bring the amount back down according to the council’s Property, Rates and Valuations manager Peter Gillieron.
“The council regularly reviews its property database to ensure properties are correctly classified for rating valuation purposes. Following a recent review, it was found two of nine of Casey’s op-shops were not previously charged the full rate,” he said.
“The council has now undertaken a valuation of the properties to ensure all nine op shops are rated consistently.”
The rating applies to all premises that offer goods for sale under the Local Government Act which does not discriminate between a profits based or charity enterprise.
In Cardinia Shire, rates for retail premises including op shops range from $1500 to $5000 depending on the location.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin said he had raised the issue with the Minister for Local Government in the hope that something could be done to lower the rates.
“Opportunity shops are run by volunteers for the benefit of their communities. It is disappointing that so much of their profits are eaten up by council rates,” he said.
Ms Ruse said she is working to have council reduce the annual charge on the Berwick store.
The City of Casey said grants are available for charity organisations such as op shops to help reduce the impact of rates for the benefit of the community.
“The council provides a grant to eligible not-for-profit organisations operating op shops to offset the impact of rates. This grant is up to $1000 and is available following the payment of rates,” said Mr Gillieron.
