Shire of Katanning waives 2022-23 rates for Katanning Clay Target Club amid land access issues

A Katanning sporting organisation has had their council rates waived for this financial year as they try to stay afloat. At their meeting on July 28, Shire of Katanning councillors voted to approve a fee waiver for the Katanning Clay Target Club’s Round Drive property after a request from the organisation. Club president Greg Doak had written to the council, explaining that the request was due to negotiations with a State Government department. “This (application) is due to an agreement with the neighbouring Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development terminating the land swap agreement,” he said. The land swap agreement between the club and DPIRD had previously allowed them to shoot over the department’s property. Mr Doak said the club had been forced to cancel events because of the negotiations, which has impacted their financial position. “There has been dialogue with DPIRD, in which they indicate a new agreement might be possible,” he said. “Until we can resolve the situation, we will be taking our programmed events to neighbouring clay target clubs. This will allow us to continue to operate.” Cr Kristy D’Aprile moved the motion at the meeting and said while she did not support reducing the council’s rate base, it was important the council recognises the club’s issues. “It is about giving them a fair go, but it is also important to note that this is only for this one year,” she said. The club also requested a rate concession for future years, but councillors denied the request.