Serious Concerns about escalating Rates

There are serious concerns about escalating rates beyond the rate of inflation, with State and Federal Government requirements that have resulted in rates rising beyond affordability.

While recognising the importance of maintaining infrastructure and services, Ratepayers Victoria Incorporate (RVI) is concerned about the proliferation at a local Government level of new programs in areas such as Health, welfare, recreation, environment, education, culture, and planning. Important programs that are the responsibility of the State or Federal Governments.

A recent Senate inquiry showed cost shifting from State to Local Government of $500 million to $1 billion a year. Unless Councils are prepared to say no to new programs that are the responsibility of the State there will never be enough money and rates will continue to rise beyond affordability. This is not an easy task for Councillors. Often government grants are used as incentives to get councils involved, then State Governments walk away leaving councils to totally finance those projects on an ongoing basis.

The community needs to realise that all things come at a cost. Programs are not free. Someone must pay. Ratepayers Victoria fears that rate levels will become unbearable unless there is a clear drawing of boundaries around the responsibilities of Federal and State Governments.

Any and all discussions on this matter should have representation from Ratepayer bodies as well as Councils, who are continually influenced by Governments.

Jack Davis

President

Ratepayers Victoria Inc.

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