Events, tourism and marketing in the City of Busselton are set to get a vital injection of funding with the introduction of a differential rating system in 2011-2012.

Council has endorsed the introduction a 6% rate increase per annum for ratepayers in industrial and commercial land use zones. However, it’s important to note that for some of these ratepayers this increase will be offset considerably by Council’s decision to also disband the Special Area Rate (10%) historically paid by businesses in the Busselton CBD.

The increased funds raised through the introduction of a differential rating system will be used to grow tourism. While this will benefit all ratepayers, those operating in industrial and commercial land use zones will see the most significant direct return.

City of Busselton CEO, Mike Archer said: “This additional funding will be directed into  attracting and retaining new events particularly during the low season. 

The new rating system spreads the responsibility for growing our tourist and business sectors more evenly with those who will see the biggest returns contributing slightly more. It’s also possible that Council may consider extending this rate to holiday accommodation providers in the future.”

City of Busselton President, Ian Stubbs said: “Our aim is to development a proactive and well resourced strategy which will launch the Shire on to a much bolder tourist platform and help us maintain a strong tourist profile in the future.

Growing tourism takes money but it’s a worthwhile investment. We all reap the benefits of increased tourism – more money circulates in our towns, job opportunities increase providing better prospects for our young people and more services and facilities are made available to locals.

We want to capitalise on our reputation as the emerging ‘event capital’ of the South West.  Not only do these events attract huge tourist crowds, they also attract new residents. I’ve met with many new residents over the years and a lot of these people first discovered our Shire while visiting during events like Ironman or the Busselton Jetty Swim.”

It’s important to note that funds secured through the introduction of a differential rating process is only part of the money the Shire spends each year on tourism,  marketing and promotion. The balance of the money directed toward this important growth area is funded from rates collected across the Shire.

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Media enquiries can be directed to the City of Busselton's Communications Officer, Meredith Dixon on 97810446 or meredith.dixon@busselton.wa.gov.au