While Lismore Councillor Gianpiero Battista’s calls for a discussion between businesses and council over rates was rejected nine votes to two last night.
Mr Battista called for the briefing after figures showed Lismore’s business rates are almost double that of surrounding shires.
“I’m just hoping that businesses in the CBD don’t close, because its hard to replace a business when its closed”
But Mayor Jenny Dowell says the increased rates end up benefiting businesses as the funds go towards security and promotion.
“we heard the message loud and clear they were happy to pay the higher rate if the money went into the promotion of the CBD”
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