Griffith City Council has endorsed proposed changes to how the city's stormwater management charge is applied, introducing a fairer, more sustainable structure to help maintain and improve local drainage infrastructure.
At the meeting on Tuesday 28 October, Council supported a proposed new tiered stormwater charge for business properties, replacing the previous flat rate that has been in place since 2006.
Funds raised each year through the stormwater management charge support vital drainage maintenance and upgrades across Griffith's urban areas. Until now, all residential and business properties have paid a single flat rate of $25 per assessment ($12.50 for strata units and $5 for strata businesses).
The proposed new model introduces a tiered approach based on property size for business assessments, while residential properties will remain unchanged. The change means smaller businesses will continue to pay around the same amount as before, while larger commercial and industrial properties will make a greater contribution towards maintaining and upgrading the shared stormwater network.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said the updated structure reflects a fairer way of sharing the cost of maintaining the city's essential infrastructure.
"This change ensures Council can continue to look after the stormwater system responsibly, while keeping the contribution for most businesses at a reasonable level," Councillor Curran said.
"By linking the charge to property size, we're making sure the system is sustainable and reflects how stormwater infrastructure is used across the city.
"Council wants to be transparent about the process and the community will have plenty of opportunity to have their say when the draft 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy are placed on exhibition next year."
The new charge will take effect from 1 July 2026, as part of the 2026/27 Budget and Revenue Policy.
