12,000 pensioners hit with surprise rate hike—could this happen to you?
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Property rates are always a hot topic, but what happens when your bill skyrockets simply because of where you live in a building?
For some residents of a Gold Coast high-rise, a sudden hike in council rates has left them questioning the fairness of the system.
While local authorities argue the increase is justified, those affected see it as an unfair financial burden—one they’re not willing to accept without a fight.
Gold Coast pensioners living in a high-rise apartment complex were facing steep rate increases.
Some were being charged hundreds of dollars more—simply because of the view from their balcony.
John Butler, one of around 12,000 affected ratepayers, said residents were outraged by the Gold Coast City Council’s decision.
‘Some people are actually paying 50 per cent more in their rates as of last year, simply because they live higher up,’ he said.
The increase had been dubbed a ‘view tax,’ with the council justifying it by claiming that upper-level apartments held greater value.
John argued that the assumption was flawed, as not all views were equal.
‘You can have a wonderful view of the ocean and the beach from one side of the building and the living area of the adjoining building from the other side,’ he said.
He believed the council deliberately avoided calling it a view tax, instead using terms like ‘penthouses’ to justify the hike.
‘They used the term penthouses when they’re talking about high-rise apartments, it’s an emotive term they deliberately use because they hate the term view tax, it embarrasses them,’ he said.
He compared it to the 1695 window tax introduced by King William in England, where homeowners were taxed based on the number of windows in their property.
‘But that actually is a mirror of a 1695 window tax King William introduced in England, the more windows you had, the richer you were and the more tax you paid, but we want them to get back to the future and see the reality of things.’
John, who lived on the 27th floor, said he was now paying nearly $500 extra per year in rates.
Determined to push back, he and other residents were taking their frustrations directly to the council, demanding that the increases be reconsidered.
Residents aren’t just speaking out—they’re taking action.
Footage captures the moment locals marched against the Gold Coast City Council, demanding fairer rates.
Watch the full video to see their protest in action.
In a previous story, we explored the growing challenges faced by pensioners struggling with housing costs across Australia.
With rates rising and affordability dwindling, many are questioning whether a $2 billion boost will be enough to make a real difference.
Read more about the ongoing pensioner housing crisis and what experts predict for the future.
With council rates already a burden for many, should a balcony view really determine how much someone pays? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For some residents of a Gold Coast high-rise, a sudden hike in council rates has left them questioning the fairness of the system.
While local authorities argue the increase is justified, those affected see it as an unfair financial burden—one they’re not willing to accept without a fight.
Gold Coast pensioners living in a high-rise apartment complex were facing steep rate increases.
Some were being charged hundreds of dollars more—simply because of the view from their balcony.
John Butler, one of around 12,000 affected ratepayers, said residents were outraged by the Gold Coast City Council’s decision.
‘Some people are actually paying 50 per cent more in their rates as of last year, simply because they live higher up,’ he said.
The increase had been dubbed a ‘view tax,’ with the council justifying it by claiming that upper-level apartments held greater value.
John argued that the assumption was flawed, as not all views were equal.
‘You can have a wonderful view of the ocean and the beach from one side of the building and the living area of the adjoining building from the other side,’ he said.
He believed the council deliberately avoided calling it a view tax, instead using terms like ‘penthouses’ to justify the hike.
‘They used the term penthouses when they’re talking about high-rise apartments, it’s an emotive term they deliberately use because they hate the term view tax, it embarrasses them,’ he said.
He compared it to the 1695 window tax introduced by King William in England, where homeowners were taxed based on the number of windows in their property.
‘But that actually is a mirror of a 1695 window tax King William introduced in England, the more windows you had, the richer you were and the more tax you paid, but we want them to get back to the future and see the reality of things.’
John, who lived on the 27th floor, said he was now paying nearly $500 extra per year in rates.
Determined to push back, he and other residents were taking their frustrations directly to the council, demanding that the increases be reconsidered.
Residents aren’t just speaking out—they’re taking action.
Footage captures the moment locals marched against the Gold Coast City Council, demanding fairer rates.
Watch the full video to see their protest in action.
In a previous story, we explored the growing challenges faced by pensioners struggling with housing costs across Australia.
With rates rising and affordability dwindling, many are questioning whether a $2 billion boost will be enough to make a real difference.
Read more about the ongoing pensioner housing crisis and what experts predict for the future.
With council rates already a burden for many, should a balcony view really determine how much someone pays? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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My wife hates lifts anyway. We're fine in our one floor house. 
