Councillors were confronted this week with the much vaunted question of whether to grant an incentive to a major developer.
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It’s not the first time, and of course, top of their mind is whether it will set a precedent, opening the floodgates, so to speak.
But from our point of view, it’s the right move if we are to attract developers of this scale. A $30 million project expected to create 150 jobs in the longer term is nothing to sneeze at.
Brewpack Pty Ltd, (now Tribe Breweries Pty Ltd) was also granted a Special Industrial Water Rate several years ago to help with the enterprise. The Goulburn abattoirs is the only other Goulburn business to enjoy this concession, and rightly so.
Tribe has also asked the council to undertake some associated roadworks.
All of this may seem like a lot for a Brewery but it will give the company confidence to grow in the knowledge that infrastructure and water is secured.
It would still be pumping substantial funds into water and sewer infrastructure we wouldn’t have otherwise had. The last time we looked, both of these council funds were in a healthy state.
But councils are not flushed with funds to offer these ongoing incentives. They need help from the State and Federal Governments.
To their credit, both are offering more regional funds in the form of grants. The State Government has also appointed a regional infrastructure coordinator in the form of Ken Gillespie. Goulburn Mulwaree Council has his ear and is making inroads into clearing bureaucratic hurdles and having the area noticed.
The council is applying for State funds to vastly improve traffic flow around the congested South Goulburn service centre area, which will also service the brewery.
It will also approach the Federal Government for a slice of its Regional Growth Fund to assist a proposed $70 million to $90m poultry processing plant in Common Street.
Provided governments can help offset costs in other ways, we feel councils are well placed to offer incentives without greatly disadvantaging ratepayers.
On a smaller scale, it is similar to the council stumping up money to attract major sporting events, as it is doing with great success. In the end, it creates a valuable economic injection. Like the brewery, it also sends a strong message that we are open for business.