The levying of property rates by municipalities on forestry areas where the imposition of such rates is not clearly justified (for example, where no viable alternative land use exists or where the services rendered to the forestry operation do not justify the rates) severely compromises the economics of growing timber.

DWAF undertakes to engage with SALGA and municipalities in an attempt to provide relief from property rates where this negatively impacts on the sustainability of timber growing.

This measure will be operational within two years of the signing of the Charter.