Rates campaign

SHANAGOLDEN Retirement Village has started a “Fairer Rate for Residents” campaign for all our residents. I am the co-ordinator and spokesperson. During my information gathering, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the council has established a basic rate category for retirement villages which in effect gives a discount of six per cent for rates charged to retirement village units. This is a positive step, however we are aiming for a 25 per cent discount in line with State Government guidelines for all retirement villages in Victoria.
People who live in retirement villages make their decision based on very specific needs, based on health and welfare during their autumn years.
The majority of our residents are not wealthy and need to manage their budgets very carefully, as their income is mainly based on the seniors pension, which only attracts the annual CPI increase. So it is of utmost importance that seniors in villages receive a fair go, together with others in the shire community.
I am aware that other established villages have been advocating for fairer rates for at least five years with little success.
I do not understand all the aspects of the rate valuation process of retirements units and am in discussion with shire staff, which is ongoing.
I think it is also important to identify those councillors who have consistently voted against providing a discount for rates over the past years.
I keep in mind that council rates have increased in excess of 12 per cent over the past two years.
What do others think about the issue of rates charged by Cardinia Shire Council?
Tilly Vervoort,
Shanagolden Village,
Pakenham.