Rate rise fight

By Melissa Meehan
A CARDINIA Shire councillor has stuck by his word, saying he will not support rate increases above the Consumer Price Index.
Councillor Collin Ross has hit out at the Cardinia Shire Council’s draft budget, which, if endorsed, will see residents slugged with a 6.25 per cent rate rise.
“When I ran for council an overwhelming number of people shared with me that rate increases were just too high when above the CPI,” Cr Ross said.
“I urge people to send in their objections to the 6.25 per cent increase if they feel it is too much, and I will stick to my word and vote against it.”
Cr Ross said he was happy to vote against the rise if he had the support of the public.
He also said the council needed to have another look at the way discounts were given to certain groups in the shire.
“There was a historical rebate for farmers who have struggled over the years,” Cr Ross said.
“But I think it needs to be reviewed because there are many groups, like pensioners and those who live in retirement villages, that cannot keep up with growing costs.
“And then there is Lakeside, who pay 3 per cent above the rest of the shire.”
He said the council needed to look at the way it spent money and set out the budget.
“Instead of looking at what we want and working out what we need to raise rates by – we should look at what we can afford with lower rates,” he said.
“I think people would rather pay a lower rate and have the council be more selective about things done in the community.
Councillors will consider a recommendation to adopt the budget and council plan and declare rates and charges at the general council meeting on Monday 20 June.
For further information regar-ding the budget, the making of a written submission or the meeting to be held on Monday 20 June, contact the council’s general manager Corporate Services Derek Madden on 1300 787 624.
Copies of the budget are on display at the council offices and Pakenham, Emerald and mobile libraries.