Proposal to Declare and Levy a Special Charge - Solar Saver Scheme

Published on 25 July 2024

In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) notice is hereby given that on 22 July 2024 the CEO of Darebin City Council (Council) authorised an intention to declare and levy a special charge under Section 163 of the Act.

The special charge is for the purposes of defraying the expenses incurred by Council relating to the provision of solar energy systems on properties participating in the Solar Saver scheme (Scheme). The Scheme arises out of Council's function of advocating and promoting proposals which are in the best interests of the community and ensuring the peace, order and good government of Council's municipal district.

A copy of the proposed declaration, known as ‘Proposed Special Charge Scheme for Solar Saver Program’, is available upon request now.

The special charge is to be declared in relation to the properties listed in Appendix B to the report titled ‘Intention to Declare a Special Charge - Darebin Solar Saver’, considered by Council on 22 July 2024.

The Scheme has been prepared on the basis that the participating property owners will receive 100% of the benefit. The total cost of the scheme is $114,044.73 ex GST (before rebates) and a special charge will be imposed only on property owners voluntarily participating in the Scheme who have signed an Agreement for a period of 10 years. If you have not signed an agreement this does not apply to you.

Each special charge has been calculated according to the size of the solar energy system being installed and the particular costs of installation at each property.

Each participating property owner has to agree for the special charge to be levied for their property and will receive notice when the first quarterly payment is due (November 2024). Owners will make quarterly payments, or alternatively may request to pay their full amount in a single lump sum, or by other approved arrangements.

Any person may make a submission under Section 223 of the Act in relation to Council’s proposal to declare the special charge under Section 163 of the Act, and participating property owners have the right to object to the proposed declaration. Any person who has made a written submission may also request that they (or a person acting on their behalf) be heard in support of their written submission. Such persons should indicate in their submission if they wish to be heard by Council. Council will consider and, if requested, hear support for all written submissions received before 1pm on Monday 26 August 2024. 

Submissions must clearly state whether the author wishes to be heard by Council, and whether the submission is a submission of support or comment only, or a formal objection to the scheme as proposed.

It is proposed that Council will consider this matter at its Ordinary Meeting of 26 August 2024. Further information on this Scheme may be obtained from Emma Hopkins, Senior Solar Saver Officer on 03 8470 8550.

Peter Smith,
Chief Executive Officer