Water Rates (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1977 (ACT)

The Water Rates (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1977 (ACT) is an ordinance that amends the Water Rates Ordinance 1959. The ordinance was made under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1910. The ordinance removes the options for weekly and fortnightly water rate payments, and changes the minimum period for rate payment notices from 14 days to 28 days. It also provides for the payment of rates in instalments for certain residential ratepayers. The legal issues before the court were whether the ordinance was within the power of the Australian Capital Territory to enact and whether it was consistent with the Water Rates Ordinance 1959. The court found that the ordinance was within the power of the Australian Capital Territory to enact and that it was consistent with the Water Rates Ordinance 1959. The court also found that the changes to the payment options and notice periods were reasonable and did not unjustifiably burden ratepayers. The final orders of the court were that the Water Rates (Amendment) Ordinance (No 2) 1977 was valid and enforceable.