Rates rise a shock for Boyne motel owners
HELEN and Richard Grant have spent more than $100,000 on improvements at their Boyne Island Motel and Villas to help bring tourists here and say this year's rates hike is not justified.
Their rates notice (Category 8) is $27,690, an increase of more than $2400, with their water component up by $600.
Mrs Grant said they put their money into improvements to help attract tourists to Tannum Sands and Boyne Island, but the rates increase would hurt other struggling tourism businesses.
"We've spend the money to get people to stay here and spend money locally.
"We've boosted our monthly occupancy from 25% to 65%, then what do we get but a slap from the council," she said.
"It was a shock. I thought it would be the same because of the downturn with all the financial hardship at the moment.
"It has cost us a lot. We don't need this on top."
Mrs Grant was angry at the increased water costs after trying to create a resort-style feel.
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