Discount Water for Race Club Approved

COUNCIL has approved discounting water rates from $2.35 to $0.96 per kilolitre for one year for the Scone Race Club, following community consultation.  

Council advised in a letter to people who made submissions that 82 percent received, supported the discounted rates “based on maintaining support to an important local industry that brings large numbers of visitors to the region. Most of the objections related to issues of equity and sensitivity towards the current state-wide drought conditions.”

The discount became effective on Christmas Day and will be in place until June 30

In a Council media release in November, Heath Courtney, CEO of the Scone Race Club is quoted as saying, “without a viable water source, it is very likely racing and a majority of the training out of the Scone Race Club will cease indefinitely and also place at risk the 2020 Scone Cup Carnival event.”

Councillors Sue Abbott and Lee Watts voted against the motion, Cr Abbott objected to a discount for a Club which was profitable, compared to other local clubs which were not as well funded and still had to pay full water rates.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood did not participate in the vote due to a conflict of interest with the racing industry.

Related stories:

• Council Asks: Should We Reduce Water Rates for Racing? – November 26, 2019.
• Council Reduce Race Club Water Rates – November 26, 2019.