'Complete cash grab': Council tax charges Gold Coast homeowners for high-rise view
For decades, the Gold Coast's famous glitter strip has been a draw card for tourists and residents alike.
Homeowners pay through the nose for a slice of real estate with a stunning beachfront view, but should they be charged twice for it?
A new council tax introduced last year is now hitting high-rise residents where it hurts, charging a premium for anyone who lives above the fourth floor.
READ MORE: Bombshell final twist in infamous family feud over Sydney house
Ratepayers are calling the view tax a "complete money grab" and they've taken to the streets outside council HQ in protest. Nine
A new council tax introduced last year is now hitting high-rise residents where it hurts, charging a premium for anyone who lives above the fourth floor. Nine
If you live between the fifth floor and the 40th floor, you could pay anywhere between $166 and $546 more per year.
For those lucky enough to live more than 40 floors up, that cost rises to an extra $676 every year.
Ratepayers are calling the view tax a "complete money grab" and they've taken to the streets outside council HQ in protest.
Gold Coast Council Mayor Tom Tate stayed inside while protesters gathered outside, before speaking to the media after the residents had left.
"It's not a view tax, it's based on the value of the property," Tate said.
"It's about valuation of your property, who can afford more that can pay more.
"We have mechanisms for hardship and I would encourage them to contact council to arrange payment and that way you can budget for it."
Watch the full video in the player above.
We’d love to hear from you
