Shire in plan to jack up its rates

Alex de Vos
Surf Coast Shire rates will more than double forecast inflation next year, according to a council report.
The shire’s business plan revealed that council was set to hit ratepayers with a six per cent hike in 2010/2011 following a 5.75 per cent rise last financial year.
The shire has also proposed a further five per cent hike every year until 2013, almost double annual inflation forecasts. The report noted the Consumer Price Index measure of inflation was expected to rise about three per cent in 2010/2011.
Earlier this year an Independent investigation revealed that Surf Coast Shire had the second highest average rates in the state at $1614.
Surf Coast Community and Ratepayers Association’s Spencer Leighton slammed the forecast rate rises.
He accused the shire of pricing residents out of Torquay.
“They can’t keep raising rates – it’s going to drive all the old citizens out of Torquay,” Mr Leighton said.
“There are people who have lived here all their lives then they get on the pension and, through no fault of their own, house prices spiral and so do their rates.
“They can’t afford to live in Torquay any more – it’s a tragedy.”
Mr Leighton demanded the shire slash executive salaries to reign in its spiralling rates.
“They always say they have to attract the best applicants so they have to offer the best packages but it’s got to end somewhere.”
The Independent has revealed that new shire chief executive officer Mark Davies is on a package worth $219,000 a year.
City of Greater Geelong plans to lift its rates 4.9 per cent this year. The City has proposed a further 4.3 per cent hike next year, rising another 4.6 per cent annually until 2013.
Borough of Queenscliffe is set to increase its rates by 3.5 per cent, about half of last year’s increase. The borough, equal second with Surf Coast for average Victorian rates, has proposed a further 4.5 per cent hike over the next three years.