New bill could allow "precinct authorities" to charge extra rates, levies An artist's impression of the park and pedestrian bridge at the planned Bowden Urban Village development at Bowden. Picture: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Source: Supplied RATEPAYERS could be forced to pay higher rates and charges than their neighbours or pay twice under changes that would charge people ­extra for buying into new ­"precinct-style" developments. The changes are being made by the State Government in an attempt to kickstart large housing developments in run-down areas, but there is opposition to the government appointing "precinct authorities"" which can charge their own rates, levies and charges. Charles Sturt Mayor Kirsten Alexander has warned homeowners could be hit with a new range of bills over and above those that come from councils. "The more I look at these changes, the more I think it has gone beyond asking for amendments (to the Bill), I think the whole idea needs a major rewrite,"" she said. "Theoretically the government can call the Bowden redevelopment a precinct, appoint a "precinct authority" and allow them to charge rates within the council's area." TELL US: Do you agree with the new legislation? The Local Government ­Association has also complained about the idea of "precinct authorities" being allowed to charge rates, levies for services and charge for things like parking because it may undermine the ability of councils to provide services. The changes are included in the Urban Renewal Bill which the State Government hopes will kickstart urban regeneration and give developers rights over large areas which are turned into housing. The changes have been welcomed by the Property Council and developers. The Bill states a precinct authority would have powers to grant development approvals and licences as well as provide a service or infrastructure and impose and recover a "rate, levy or charge"." The authority could be a government-appointed unelected body, the existing ­Urban Renewal Authority or the council in which the project is located. The planned changes have been accepted by some councils which are hoping to be appointed as the "precinct authority"" allowing them to charge increased rates. Planning Minister John Rau said negotiations were ongoing with the LGA, and claimed changes were similar to powers which already allowed councils to charge householders. "The LGA has made it clear they have always supported the Bill overall,"" he said. There are a number of councils that have already expressed interest in using the powers under the Bill. This is why the government has been negotiating with LGA to fine tune the Bill. But a submission provided by the LGA to the State Government when asked to comment on the bill did not support the powers being granted to an unelected precinct authority which could override the powers of an elected council.