Port Pirie Regional Council and Nyrstar Port Pirie reach Rating Agreement
Port Pirie Regional Council (Council) and Nyrstar Port Pirie (Nyrstar) have reached an agreed resolution regarding a rating dispute concerning Council’s 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 rating processes.
The resolution, which each party has agreed to without admitting liability or fault, has seen the strengthening of the existing mutually beneficial long-term relationship between Council and Nyrstar. Council and Nyrstar already work closely together on a number of important issues, including the Targeted Lead Abatement Program (TLAP).
Under the agreed settlement reached between the parties, Council will grant Nyrstar a Business Support Rebate (Rebate) equating to $495,480.50 each year, for four years, from 2018/19, on the basis that Nyrstar applies these amounts across those four years to activities, programs and initiatives that benefit employment, the operation of businesses (other than Nyrstar’s business) and the environment within the Council area.
The Rebate has been granted on the basis of the significant employment opportunities the continued presence of the Nyrstar smelter brings to the community, the Company’s local procurement initiatives and the Company’s commitment to the enhancement of the Port Pirie Regional Council environment.
In its last financial year, through its Local Procurement program Nyrstar spent $85 million on sourcing goods and services in Port Pirie and the region. Nyrstar employs 800 direct employees and 300 contractors and is currently recruiting to expand its workforce by an additional 50 positions.
In addition, Nyrstar has agreed to assume responsibility at its cost (implemented via TLAP) for street and footpath sweeping in the central business district, street sweeping in adjoining residential areas as well as continuing to clean 25 bus shelters and 15 playgrounds owned by Council. This has necessitated Nyrstar purchasing a variety of specialist cleaning / sweeping equipment and will continue until February 2026.
Nyrstar’s agreement to undertake these activities will result an annual saving to Council of at least $270,000. Council will instead rebate this amount to Nyrstar over the 5-year life of the agreement.
As a result of these arrangements, Nyrstar will discontinue District Court of South Australia proceedings it commenced against the Council in respect of Council’s 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 rating decisions and withdraw land-use classification objections lodged with Council in 2019. The remaining terms of the parties’ agreement are confidential.
For further information contact:
Kate Carmody, Executive Assistant to CEO on 8633 9718 or email kcarmody@pirie.sa.gov.au