City Centre Marketing and Improvements Grant

The ACT Government has enacted legislation to permit the collection of the City Centre Marketing and Improvements levy in response to the private sector first proposing a levy to fund marketing and improvements activities.  The private sector sought support for a reliable revenue stream to invest in activities that supplement existing government services. These activities will enhance the reputation, status, and physical character of the collection area. The levy is returned to the private sector in the form of a grant paid annually for a five year period.

The successful grant recipient submitted the comparatively best application, is a new business called Canberra CBD Limited   Canberra CBD Limited is a not-for-profit company established to represent the City centre levy payers. The business is dedicated to harnessing Canberra’s unique private and public sector skills to achieve a City centre that can be considered world class and admired for its liveability, vitality and commercial success and sense of community. This is an exciting era in the growth of the City centre and timely that commercial property owners/levy payers have the opportunity to be actively involved. Canberra CBD Limited will be publicly inviting all levy payers to become involved.

The successful application for the Grant included a five year strategic plan for the City centre which provides the framework for addressing key issues using entrepreneurial business focussed solutions via effective links with government. This gives the business a secure revenue stream to make measurable differences in the long term.

Each year Canberra CBD Limited has to satisfy government that its annual business plan is appropriate and corresponds with the overall strategic plan. In the first year (2007/2008), almost $1.5 million was transferred in the form of the grant. In the 2008/2009 financial year, the amount was approximately $1.9 million and for 2009/2010 it is a similar amount. The transfer is dependant on the suitability of the Plans and reporting requirements. The amount is dependant on Average Unimproved Value (AUV) and negotiations specified in the Deed of Grant that binds the relationship between the Government and Canberra CBD Limited.

Administration

The Grant is administered by an across government Grant Management Committee comprising of the Department of Territory and Municipal Services, ACT Planning and Land Authority, Chief Ministers Department and ACT Department of Treasury (observers only). A Deed of Grant specifies the party’s contractual obligations.

Relevant Links

• Program background information: Canberra Central Program
• Grant recipient activities: Canberra CBD Limited  
• City Centre Marketing and Improvements Levy Pamphlet ( 453Kb)
• Online payment

 Further Information:

• Canberra Connect 132281 - for information on management of the grant.
• Canberra CBD Limited - about being involved and how grant monies will be spent lindastaite@canberracbdlimited.com.au Phone: 6162 4292 Fax:6162 1189