The NT Government has no plans to introduce its new empty shops tax to anywhere other than Darwin.
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Such a levy had been proposed for Katherine as a way of revitalising the CBD where there are many empty shops.
From July next year, a Derelict and Vacant Property Levy will be brought in to encourage the revitalisation of the Darwin CBD through innovative land use.
Key components of the levy are:
- A rate of 1% will be levied on commercial buildings with street frontage that is largely vacant
- A rate of 2% will be levied on undeveloped land, based on the unimproved capital value
- The levy applies to commercial premises only – not residential.
The levy complements the NT Government’s plan to revitalise the Darwin CBD into a greener, cooler, more modern and attractive place to visit.
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But a government spokeswoman this afternoon said the levy plan was for Darwin only.
From heat mitigation, leasing arrangements, artwork or attractive landscaping, there is range of initiatives that property owners can undertake to improve their sites and the look of the CBD.
Treasurer Nicole Manison said: “People are sick of seeing eyesores in our city – so to complement our own initiatives, a Derelict and Vacant Property Levy will be introduced to further stimulate revitalisation and activation.
“This is a chance for property owners to work with Government to improve our CBD.
“Let me be clear, this is the one revenue measure with which we don’t want to raise a single dollar. This is about activating the CBD to drive more foot traffic through our streets and into our businesses.”
Opposition leader Gary Higgins said today’s vacant property tax is another nail in the coffin for the Territory’s economy.
“Burdening businesses and land owners with more costs will not turn our economy around.
“Instead, the Opposition would support measures that assist and incentivise land owners to attract new tenants. This could include rebates or tax breaks.
“Rather than dealing with anti-social behaviour, sky rocketing crime levels and a tourism and retail downturn, Territory Labor has decided to penalise property owners that are already struggling.
“The increased costs of this levy will simply be passed on to Territorians.
“In the Smith Street mall today, there are seven (7) vacant shop fronts, in addition to the empty properties in arcades and laneways which adjoin the mall’s main thoroughfare.
“Businesses large and small are tired of Labor’s dangerous and inept approach to our economy.
“Labor should instead focus on tidying up the CBD with an anti-social behaviour plan.”
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