Outrage spreads as residents storm city hall—could your council plan surprise rate hike?
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In a move that has sparked outrage and protests, residents have been left reeling after their local council voted to implement a staggering rate hike over the next three years.
This decision has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns nationwide about the potential for other councils to follow suit. Could your local council be considering a similar increase?
The contentious vote, which passed with a narrow 8-7 margin, has resulted in a planned $673 average annual rate rise for residents, many already feeling the financial pinch.
The scene outside the council chambers was frustrating and angry, as approximately 200 locals braved the rain to voice their dissent, armed with signs that read 'Manage within your budget' and 'Cutbacks before rate increases'.
The 40 per cent rate hike has been met with disbelief and a sense of betrayal by the community.
One long-standing resident expressed dismay, questioning the justification for such a significant increase when, in his view, the quality of council services had not improved in line with previous rate rises.
'I thought the rates were too high two decades ago, but they have risen steadily every year, and now they want to put it up by 40 per cent. It's outrageous,' he said.
Independent councillor Vincent De Luca, who opposed the rate rise, shed light on the council's spending during the meeting.
He highlighted that the council had hired 111 managers, directors, and executives, costing $25 million annually.
Furthermore, the council's staff had grown by 12 per cent since its formation in 2016, following the amalgamation of three previous councils, with a total annual payroll of $159 million—a whopping 40 per cent of its total budget.
De Luca suggested alternative revenue-raising measures, such as selling or redeveloping council-owned carparks, rather than burdening residents with higher rates.
His sentiments were echoed by the vocal protestors, who chanted 'Shame, shame, shame,' and called for the sacking of the council members as the vote was passed.
Despite the area's relative affluence, many long-term residents and small business owners expressed that the additional financial load would be unsustainable.
'They are treating us like idiots. The mayor sounded like a school teacher chastising us. A lot of us are struggling. This is going to send people and a lot of small businesses to the wall,' a woman at the meeting said.
The council defended its decision, citing the need to maintain financial stability fund infrastructure and essential services.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal will review the proposed rate rise, determining if the 39.6 per cent increase is justified.
If approved, the council will gain an extra $57 million annually.
Councillors who supported the increase, such as Sarah Grattan and Candy Bingham, argued that the tough decision was necessary to prevent future generations from facing an even greater financial burden.
However, their rationale did little to quell residents' anger like Mark Horton, who warned the council, 'You've made a big mistake. It won't be forgotten.'
This incident is a stark reminder to all Australians to stay vigilant and engaged with their local councils' decisions.
With the rising cost of living and many households already under financial stress, unexpected rate hikes can profoundly impact the community's well-being.
Participating in local government processes, attending council meetings, and voicing concerns are essential to ensure that decisions are in the residents' best interest.
Is your local council transparent about its spending, or could hidden costs drive up your rates? How would a 40 per cent rate hike impact your household budget—would you be forced to make cutbacks elsewhere? Let us know in the comments below.
This decision has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns nationwide about the potential for other councils to follow suit. Could your local council be considering a similar increase?
The contentious vote, which passed with a narrow 8-7 margin, has resulted in a planned $673 average annual rate rise for residents, many already feeling the financial pinch.
The scene outside the council chambers was frustrating and angry, as approximately 200 locals braved the rain to voice their dissent, armed with signs that read 'Manage within your budget' and 'Cutbacks before rate increases'.
Despite strong local opposition, a controversial 40 per cent rate increase over three years has been voted in favour of by Northern Beaches Council in Sydney. Credit: Facebook
The 40 per cent rate hike has been met with disbelief and a sense of betrayal by the community.
One long-standing resident expressed dismay, questioning the justification for such a significant increase when, in his view, the quality of council services had not improved in line with previous rate rises.
'I thought the rates were too high two decades ago, but they have risen steadily every year, and now they want to put it up by 40 per cent. It's outrageous,' he said.
Independent councillor Vincent De Luca, who opposed the rate rise, shed light on the council's spending during the meeting.
He highlighted that the council had hired 111 managers, directors, and executives, costing $25 million annually.
Furthermore, the council's staff had grown by 12 per cent since its formation in 2016, following the amalgamation of three previous councils, with a total annual payroll of $159 million—a whopping 40 per cent of its total budget.
De Luca suggested alternative revenue-raising measures, such as selling or redeveloping council-owned carparks, rather than burdening residents with higher rates.
His sentiments were echoed by the vocal protestors, who chanted 'Shame, shame, shame,' and called for the sacking of the council members as the vote was passed.
Despite the area's relative affluence, many long-term residents and small business owners expressed that the additional financial load would be unsustainable.
'They are treating us like idiots. The mayor sounded like a school teacher chastising us. A lot of us are struggling. This is going to send people and a lot of small businesses to the wall,' a woman at the meeting said.
The council defended its decision, citing the need to maintain financial stability fund infrastructure and essential services.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal will review the proposed rate rise, determining if the 39.6 per cent increase is justified.
If approved, the council will gain an extra $57 million annually.
Councillors who supported the increase, such as Sarah Grattan and Candy Bingham, argued that the tough decision was necessary to prevent future generations from facing an even greater financial burden.
However, their rationale did little to quell residents' anger like Mark Horton, who warned the council, 'You've made a big mistake. It won't be forgotten.'
This incident is a stark reminder to all Australians to stay vigilant and engaged with their local councils' decisions.
With the rising cost of living and many households already under financial stress, unexpected rate hikes can profoundly impact the community's well-being.
Participating in local government processes, attending council meetings, and voicing concerns are essential to ensure that decisions are in the residents' best interest.
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