Portside Messenger
CLASS warfare has erupted at Port Adelaide Enfield Council over giving one of the state’s poshest sailing clubs a discount on its rates.
The Cruising Yacht Club of SA asked the council for a $40,000 discount on its $80,000 rates bill because it was a “not for profit” sporting club which attracted “prestigious” events to the area.
The request, which was defeated on the council floor, ignited debate when Outer Harbor Ward Cr Peter Jamieson said the rebate should be granted.
Staff suggested councillors reject the request because the North Haven club was largely closed to the public and had a gross income of $3.3 million.
“Clubs do get a rebate and a lot of the football clubs do get a … rebate and yachting is an Olympic sport,” Cr Jamieson said.
“The yachting fraternity is often seen to be very rich and people who own boats are not necessarily rich – that is their caravan – and I think it’s unfair the club is not being considered.”
Continue reading, including the inflammatory comments by some councillors, by clicking here.
