Rate hikes are happening in many Councils across the country. We review a few budgets in several cities and are finding a common pattern – there is no transparent sound justification underpinning annual rate hikes. Some Councils are also misleading ratepayers in budget review – Councillors already agreed on rate increases and consequent budgets when Council allow the process of public review to occur. The process is not democratic nor is transparent and is most misleading.
Ratepayers Victoria Inc
Improving Governance & Community Centricity in Local Government
Previously Kingston Council ratepayers were asked to pay a huge increase in rates on amalgamation citing numerous retirement packages as the reason. Ratepayers were promised a rate reduction on payment of debts. Council debt was paid off last year. Over the past twelve months Kingston Council have spent many millions of dollars on building football clubrooms, childrens playgrounds/picnic grounds, a sportswomens Centre, beach recreation areas – to name a few.
Yesterday my budget submission was presented to council advocating reduced spending/ increase means of raising monies thereby reducing the need to increase rates by 6.3% as reported.
Enquiries reveal Kingston have ratepayers Associations in small enclaves e.g. Dingley Villiage and Aspendale Gardens but the majority of ratepayers do not have a collective voice. Can you assist in forming one?
Doug Rafter
Councillor Christopher Wallis of the Hindmarsh Ward earned his potision in Council by gaining the respect of voters when he as a rate payer stood up to Council to argue a proposed housing development at the Carnarvon Parade Reserve, West Croydon which would have halved the size of the reserve. He was successful in maintaining the whole reserve and the residents were and are still extremely grateful to him. Not only did he maintain the reserve, he lobbied to have it improved with new park facilities and vegetation. Now I find it surprising that he as a Councillor is voting for the land swap at St Clair. It is obvious he was only concerned about Carnarvon Parade Reserve because he and his family reside in a very close proximity to it. Perhaps if he resided adjacent to St Clair he would not be voting for the land swap!! Councillor Wallis remember why the people voted for you as a member of Council you should be looking after all rate payers’ interests, not just yours.