Rates equity divides council

Rates raised controversy in the Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council again on Wednesday, with some saying the current system was not fair to the local wine industry. Crs Lyn Serventy and Jenny McGregor spoke against a staff recommendation that the council continue with its current rating method, rather than implement split rating. Cr McGregor’s concerns were that a small family-owned winery might have to pay the same rates as a major winery with a restaurant and cellar door, reports the Augusta-Margaret River Mail.