Ratepayers Victoria Annual General meeting was held on Sunday 18^th May at the South Oakleigh Bowling Club.

Many issues of concern were raised by representatives of community groups.

Lack of genuine community consultation was one of the most debated issues

along with cost shifting by both State and Federal Governments.

It was agreed that most local councillors no longer represent the Ratepayers / Residents

and are just implementing government’s policies.

Gone are the days when councils decide on issues best suited for where they live

2030 has been a total disaster across the state.

Council’s have been stripped of their control on planning applications.

 In the majority of cases VCAT decision are in favour of the developer

Boundary to boundary and multi storey developments are now the norm.

Remember this is an election year for now we will be kicked with a soft boot.

We will hear promises of  : if elected I will do this or that and I will work to protect you the Resident blaa blaa etc. etc.:

With out doubt the issue of most concern was the excessive increases in Council rates

It was decided that we would conduct a state wide questionnaire on rate increases over the past three years.

We ask all community groups to take part in the following questionnaire.

This is the start of our fight to protect our suburbs.

1.         Which council controls your way of life

            Answer………………………………………………….

2.         What will be your rate increase for year 2008/09

            Answer………………………………………………….

3.         What was your rate increase for year 2007/08

      Answer………………………………………………….

4         What was your rate increase for year 2006/07

      Answer………………………………………………….

5.         Do you believe your council truly represents its Residents

.           Answer………………………………………………….

6.                  Do you believe council has lost planning controls

     Answer………………………………………………..

7.                  Your Major Concern…………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………..

What group do you represent……………………………………

Are you a Ratepayer or Resident……………………………………………..

Reply to President Ratepayers Victoria

Jack_d@iinet.net.au

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