The renewal of the Sunshine Town Centre Marketing and Business Development Special Rate will provide continued funding to support events, promotions and business development initiatives to help keep Sunshine vibrant and flourishing.
Brimbank Council resolved to declare the special rate for a further five years at its Council Meeting on 21 February 2023.
The Special Rate was first introduced in 2013 and has made possible promotions like the Shop Local campaigns, Christmas activities and events such as the Lunar New Year Festival.
The current Special Rate finishes on 30 June 2023.The Sunshine Business Association (SBA) requested that it be renewed for a further five years, so the fund could continue to support Sunshine’s businesses, encourage commerce and deliver events and activities in the Sunshine Town Centre.
The Special Rate, paid by commercial rate payers within a defined area of the Sunshine Town Centre, will raise about $180,000 in the first year, and increase 2% annually over the five years. These funds are provided to the SBA who use it to pay for a marketing coordinator, promotional, advertising, and marketing and business development. Council is required to monitor and approve how the funds are spent by the SBA to ensure it is in line with the purpose for which the Special Rate was declared.
The Special Rate has been increased and was considered necessary given the number of activities and initiatives delivered by the SBA, the higher costs of services generally, and that the average amount paid for similar levies in other metropolitan schemes.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire said:
“Many popular events and activities, as well as marketing, promotions and business development initiatives are made possible by the money raised by the Special Rate.
“Its renewal will ensure that the SBA has the means to fund a range of activities and events, like the Lunar New Year Festival and Sunshine Business Awards. Successful promotions like this have and will continue to put Sunshine on the map as a vibrant, lively and exciting place to shop and dine for locals and visitors.”