Mayor Jenny Whitney said today Council reluctantly approved the write off of the sum of
$117,469.68 interest and $567,749.59 general rate on assessments of four lots at Abbot Point for rates for NQBP for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years.

“The writing off of this amount will allow NQBP to pay the remaining $859,311.58 in outstanding
rates they owe Council,” Mayor Whitney said.

“Council reluctantly approved the write-off of nearly $700,000 in rates as it closes this matter and
allows NQBP to meet its social and community obligations and pay the remaining outstanding
rates.

“In May, Council voted for the Chief Executive Officer to enter further negotiations with NQBP in
relation to the outstanding rates and report back to Council.

“It has been determined through these negotiations that NQBP have utilised the State Government Rates Equivalent Regime to have areas normally rateable deemed non-rateable and due to this, rateable areas needed to be recalculated.

“Today’s decision was reached by Council, as the only alternative action available to Council
involved legal action, which Council was advised would most likely be unsuccessful.

“We expect NQBP will meet their social and community obligations around rates in future financial years.

“It should be noted that all other entities associated with and operating at Abbot Point have paid
their rates, in full,” she said.

Ends

For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au