Rates in cap ‘push’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PETITION circulating Torquay is seeking a cap on Surf Coast Shire rate rises in line with inflation, according to a councillor.
Joe Remenyi said the petition had “come about in an amorphous way without any group or individual” responsible.
“There are a lot of people doing the legwork in what has become a very organic process,” Cr Remenyi said.
“I haven’t signed it myself because I prefer to maintain an open mind until such time as we may make a decision in the council chamber.”
Cr Remenyi encouraged residents to read and sign the petition if they supported a cap.
“There’s a groundswell of concern about rate levels generally and it deserves widespread debate and discussion.
“Some residents believe that if we want a level of infrastructure like the civic centre and sports fields then we’ll need high rates. Others feel we’re overreaching and providing a service to those who are not ratepayers.”
Cr Remenyi said the petition would be available for “some months” because it was aimed at next year’s shire budget.
“The petition says that while we have to make some provision for growth, CPI is a good guideline and if there have to be cuts to services let the community make a decision about where those cuts should be.”
Cr Remenyi tried unsuccessfully earlier this year to introduce council rates relief for ratepayers on fixed incomes. Last year he warned that council must “reign in” spending as councillors prepared to approve a “uniquely high” 6.9 per cent rates hike.
Council passed a 6.3 per cent increase this year along with a $482 rise in garbage and municipal charges.
Torquay rates activist Ray Gully said he was aware of the petition but was unaware of the organiser’s identity.
“I agree with it but it doesn’t go far enough. We should be advocating special consideration for people on fixed incomes.”
Former Torquay Residents and Ratepayers Association president Spencer Leighton said excessive annual rate hikes were “squeezing” people out of Torquay.
“There’s been any number of people who’ve had to move into Geelong because of financial pressure like that.”