A commission of inquiry into the Rural City of Ararat draft rating strategy has recommended the local authority maintain its current differential rating strategy.
The current strategy charges farmers 55 per cent of residential property rates.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president David Jochinke congratulated the strong and committed voice of the Ararat community in building a cohesive case to maintain the differential rating strategy.
“This has been a real community achievement and is a sign of the outcomes we can all achieve if we work together,” he said.
The commission also recommended the establishment of a rating strategy advisory group and a review of the range and level of community services.