28 Apr DBCA SLUGGING SHACK OWNERS – FEE INCREASE DURING COVID-19 CRISIS UPDATE 8TH MAY 2020
As a result of the possible financial impact of COVID-19 to members, WIPA had requested a deferral of the second instalment ($1,031) of the year one fee payment. See here.
Since then DBCA has not indicated any favourable consideration to this request with the DBCA District Office in Jurien Bay indicating that invoices will be sent as planned on 1st of May, for payment by end of May 2020.
WIPA agreed in good faith to move forward to a three year licence package on the basis that unresolved matters would be addressed during the term of the Licence.
One of those significant matters was the increase in fees rising from the previous level of $1,400pa to $3,400pa by year 3.
DBCA agreed to provide a transparent, robust process that fully justified the budget and gave evidence of the proposed fee increase, however disappointingly, this has not occurred.
DBCA have not upheld this agreement, notwithstanding WIPA’s repeated requests and submission to challenge the basis for these increases. Documented here.
Therefore, in addition, consideration is being given to withholding payment pending resolution of these issues.