Single Farm Enterprises
What is a Single Farm Enterprise?
A Single Farm Enterprise (SFE) refers to two or more parcels of farmland that are managed and operated as a single unit by the same person(s). This definition applies even if the land parcels are not contiguous. The key is that the land is used for primary production (agriculture, livestock, etc.) and is managed collectively as a single business.
As per legislation under the Local Government Act 1999, this program allows farmers to benefit from the removal of the Council's fixed rate charge, set before the start of each financial year, to be rebated on all properties but one. This benefits farmer's who may own multiple properties and farm under the same practice, who would then get the fixed charge waivered to the benefit of the farm.
Am i eligible for a Single Farm Enterprise?
A single farming enterprise consists of properties where:
- the owner or occupier of all the land concerned is the same;
- all of the land is used to carry on the business of primary production* and is managed as a single unit for that purpose; and
- all of the land is contained in the same or adjoining council area.
The land may be adjoining (contiguous) or separated by other land.
Where a single farming enterprise includes land other than that owned by the applicant, but which is occupied by all participants in the business, then details of this land and its owner should be included in the application. For instance, land that is owned by a son but is part of a single farming enterprise run by a father, mother and son, should be included in the application. This also includes land that is leased from another party.
If you believe you are eligible under these conditions, please submit an application form to Council for review via the below link.
Example
Person B owns four separate farming properties (each having an individual assessment number), managed as a single unit for that purpose.
Two properties are adjoining, another is 8 kms north on the other side of Person C's farm, while another is 30 kms south (separated by many other farms).
All of Person B's properties are within the same council area. Normally a $350.00 Fixed Charge would apply to each property.
In this example, as these properties form a single farming enterprise, only one $350.00 Fixed Charge applies. A variable charge still applies to each property in this single farming enterprise, along with any other eligible service charges.
How do i apply?
The SFE application form can be found here.
An application must be in writing. The application can be emailed to either dce@elliston.sa.gov.au or posted to the Council and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer.
Chief Executive Officer
District Council of Elliston
PO Box 46
Elliston, SA 5670