Spend it here: Redlands urged to spend tax bonus locally

6th April 2009

Redland City Council Press Release

The Redlands community is being urged to spend their $900 tax bonus cheques locally, following the High Court’s decision to uphold the tax office payments.

Redland City Mayor, Melva Hobson says that given the pressure people are under, it’s not unreasonable they could think about investing some or all of the bonus on themselves and their family.

“By spending locally in the Redlands, they will be making a significant impact on the local economy,” said Mayor Hobson.

“Consumer spending is a major element of our local economy with retail and tourism among the city’s largest components.

“Why not think about treating yourself and the family to a few days away on one of our wonderful bay island holiday locations, a pampering sauna for yourself, or a beautiful meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in the Redlands,” said Councillor Hobson.

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“I am sure that many families also have a long list of spending priorities, whether it is new clothes for the children or that new family computer.’

“One of the challenges of the current economic environment is the more the community becomes cautious, the more business and the economy suffer.

“While I encourage people to be sensible, it’s very easy to imagine that expenditure of up to $50 million in the Redland economy would have a substantial impact.” the Mayor said.

“If this was repeated across the economy, there would be a very significant bounce from the Commonwealths fiscal stimulus package.”

‘‘This expenditure is in addition to the Government’s expenditure on infrastructure which has already brought $840,000 worth of additional projects to the Redland’s community.

“The multiplier effect means that every dollar spent in the community may be spent many more times through wages and other payment in the economy before it is exhausted,” said Councillor Hobson.

The Commonwealth tax office has advised that taxpayers with 2007-08 taxable income of $100,000 or less could be eligible to receive a tax bonus payment of up to $900, with payments starting the week commencing 6 April 2009.