Cardinia $42 million dollar debt

Here in Cardinia Shire, you may recall we had a $100 municipal charge

imposed in 2004/05,  which was reduced to $50 by the new council in 06/07

and now has been removed in the 07/08 draft budget.  But the Council say they will collect the lost revenue anyway via our rates increase (which will be more equitable).    But our debt still stands at $42 million, with with total spending of

around $50 million on projects and services and further borrowing of around

$6.9 million.    Much of the spending is due to the massive housing development taking place in the growth corridor which is government policy in action.

Cost shifting is certainly happening here and we are being taxed via our

rates - increase between 7% - 13%.

I wonder if any other municipalities are under as much pressure as ours.    

Our committee has discussed a possible forum for ratepayer -residents groups

in our region - to discuss various issues including VCAT overruling Council decisions etc.

On Saturday 26th May, Sustainable Population Australia Victorian Branch

AGM will be held at North Melbourne Library, 66 Errol St. North Melbourne,

 2 p.m. Melway Ref. 2A J10

Canberra based author "This Tired Brown Land" Mark O'Connor is guest speaker "Getting off the Carousel of Growth Madness - Can Melbourne be saved?"      

It's short notice, but may be possible to email some ratepayer groups who would be interested.

Gloria O'Connor

Cardinia Ratepayers & Residents Assoc.

RATEPAYERS VICTORIA, Inc. A0040924M - PO BOX 1057 Huntingdale, Victoria 3166