ORANGE Evangelical Church will have to provide more information on why the Australia Cinema site should be exempted from rates, with no building work started to convert it into a church.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The church received approval to build a $3.5 million church centre in April this year and it has been exempted from paying rates since 2011.
However, councillor Russell Turner asked for a report last month because work was not yet under way and questioned its rate exemption.
At Tuesday’s Orange City Council meeting, Cr Turner said his intention was not to pick on the churches, but Australia Cinema was a “different kettle of fish” because of its CBD location.
“We gave them the approval and nothing’s happened, it’s a blight on Lords Place with no sign of anything happening for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“It’s an eyesore.
“I would hope if they still intend to go ahead, they would attract rates until the development’s finished and they commence having church services.”
According to state legislation, land is exempted from rates if it contains churches or other buildings used for public worship, residences for ministers or heads of religious bodies, or buildings used for religious training.
Cr Turner moved for staff to investigate the building’s exemption status more formally and clarify when it would be developed, but while councillors agreed it was possible for religious groups to land bank without having to pay rates, they voted the motion down.
“I believe this would just open a can of worms and upset a lot of people,” mayor John Davis said.
Councillor Scott Munro said churches provided the community with a place for closure and compassion.
“I feel we should do the right thing by the majority of people in Orange and forget the whole thing,” he said.
In its report to councillors, staff reported 67 properties in Orange with rate exemptions, with a value of almost $393,500.
While the motion failed, the report said a small number had been identified as potentially no longer eligible and letters had been sent to the owners seeking information to continue their exemptions.
Orange Evangelical Church will have to provide such information for the cinema site.
Senior minister Bruce Bennett conceded from where Cr Turner was sitting, it would look like nothing was happening, but he said he did not know what was discussed and would wait to hear from the council.
He said the church still intended to proceed with the development, but did not have a start date.
“We’re talking to engineers and builders on how to go about it, but the first thing you don’t do is rush in,” he said.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au