RATES GOING THROUGH THE ROOF

Ratepayers around the State are increasingly anxious with continuing rate rises. This is really affecting the battlers, young people trying to buy a home and people moving into retirement on fixed incomes.

There are around three million ratepayers in Victoria and if we joined together we would be a powerful voice for common sense. The work of Ratepayers Victoria depends on building a strong financial membership.

In the last 18 months we have supported the development of new ratepayer groups; we have been quoted on ratepayer issues in Parliamentary debate and in regular media comment.

We have a new web page, an e-mail address, and a brochure. Several shires have opened processes due to the work of our members.

It has been a busy year for our fledgling organization! We have been meeting regularly, and we have built up a large contact list of interested people with whom we share information. However many are not financial members.

Now we need membership (only $20) so that we can work effectively. Email addresses save time and cost for postage and mailouts .

A major issue of concern is ongoing cost shifting ( more than $500 million ) from other levels of Government which is being foisted on you, the ratepayer, rather than funded from general income tax. Ratepayers Victoria is calling on the Federal Government to hold a major review of funding and areas of responsibility between the three tiers of governement.

But for a strong direct voice, we need significant membership. Please help by taking care of this now.

You are invited to attend Ratepayers Victoria Annual General Meeting on Saturday. September 11th commencing 11am. General Meeting 1.00pm. All welcome - Bring your own sandwiches for lunch.

But only paid up members will be eligible to vote.

For more information : Peter Baird Ph 9762 6631 peterbaird@optusnet.com.au

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