Council’s ‘View Tax’ Leads to 50 Percent Rate Hikes for High-Rise Residents

Gold Coast City Council has taken a new approach to rates for people living in skyscrapers, but opponents say it’s unfair and assumes residents are wealthy.

A general view of beachfront hotels in Gold Coast, Australia, on April 7, 2017. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Some Gold Coast apartment owners are expressing concerns after receiving rate hikes of up to 50 percent, following the council’s decision to bill occupants based on the value of their property, rather than the value of the land.

The changes could result in some residents paying an additional $676 (US$442) annually on their rates bills.