Tasmanian honeymakers refuse to pay rates because God, not council, owns their land
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/recalcitrant-tasmanian-honeymakers-refuse-to-pay-rates-because-god-not-council-owns-their-land/news-story/edfe142d264c40feae9c224c89ae7e3e
BLESSED are the honeymakers.
With it’s lush, rolling green paddocks sitting below the majestic backdrop of Cradle Mountain, many in Tasmania’s Meander Valley refer to it as God’s own country.
But the honeymaking Beerepoot family, who call the valley home, appear to have taken the tags a little literally.
The Beerepoots have not paid their rates on their three properties to the Meander Valley Council since 2010, nor do they have any intention of doing so.
Because, they say, their land belongs to God, not to the council.
But while their Heavenly Father has apparently absolved the Beerepoots of their council debts, He seemingly does not object to them profiting from his earthly possessions.
In addition to their thriving honey business, the family also runs a bed and breakfast on their property, within the Meander Valley Council municipality.
They also own a home there.
The council is chasing the family for $9332 and, according to The Mercury, has made a number of attempts to explain to the family that they are legally bound to pay their land taxes by the Local Government Act.
In correspondence to the council, however, the Beerepoots, said the matter was between the council and their holy landlord: the big guy upstairs.
“Council’s world view is that the ‘law of the land’ governs life and thus also provides progress, growth and security,’ correspondence from the owners to the council in February stated, according to The Mercury.
“On the other hand, we believe that our Heavenly Father is Sovereign and that He reigns today, thus we worship Him and Him alone so that His will is established on the earth … you are asking us to bow down to a false god which is something we cannot do.”
The Beerepoot family made their last rates payment for their three properties in July 2010.
Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins told the ABC that, in news that will come as a disappointment to homeowners across the country, there was no religious exemption from paying council rates.
“Under law, people who are owning properties, the title owners are required to pay rates, under legislation, and people’s Christian religious beliefs make no difference,” he said.
“If we exempted them on this occasion, everybody would start saying they have a religious belief and don’t have to pay rates.
“So it’s not fair on the rest of the ratepayers, either.”
The council will consider a report into the unusual situation at their meeting today.
The report has recommended the council vote to sell the three properties the family owns to recover the money they owe.
BLESSED are the honeymakers.
With it’s lush, rolling green paddocks sitting below the majestic backdrop of Cradle Mountain, many in Tasmania’s Meander Valley refer to it as God’s own country.
But the honeymaking Beerepoot family, who call the valley home, appear to have taken the tags a little literally.
The Beerepoots have not paid their rates on their three properties to the Meander Valley Council since 2010, nor do they have any intention of doing so.
Because, they say, their land belongs to God, not to the council.
But while their Heavenly Father has apparently absolved the Beerepoots of their council debts, He seemingly does not object to them profiting from his earthly possessions.
In addition to their thriving honey business, the family also runs a bed and breakfast on their property, within the Meander Valley Council municipality.
They also own a home there.
The council is chasing the family for $9332 and, according to The Mercury, has made a number of attempts to explain to the family that they are legally bound to pay their land taxes by the Local Government Act.
In correspondence to the council, however, the Beerepoots, said the matter was between the council and their holy landlord: the big guy upstairs.
“Council’s world view is that the ‘law of the land’ governs life and thus also provides progress, growth and security,’ correspondence from the owners to the council in February stated, according to The Mercury.
“On the other hand, we believe that our Heavenly Father is Sovereign and that He reigns today, thus we worship Him and Him alone so that His will is established on the earth … you are asking us to bow down to a false god which is something we cannot do.”
The Beerepoot family made their last rates payment for their three properties in July 2010.
Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins told the ABC that, in news that will come as a disappointment to homeowners across the country, there was no religious exemption from paying council rates.
“Under law, people who are owning properties, the title owners are required to pay rates, under legislation, and people’s Christian religious beliefs make no difference,” he said.
“If we exempted them on this occasion, everybody would start saying they have a religious belief and don’t have to pay rates.
“So it’s not fair on the rest of the ratepayers, either.”
The council will consider a report into the unusual situation at their meeting today.
The report has recommended the council vote to sell the three properties the family owns to recover the money they owe.
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They should just move to the US, where they can get away with this shit by claiming to be televangelists.
LOL, too funny.
I visited Tasmania many times and Meander Valley. I don't remember God putting in the roads, electricity or many of the other items that this goofy family uses.
Take the property and deport them to the U.S. they are some area's and groups more than willing to take them in.
"Render unto Caesar..."
Great seed, Hal!