Other people’s money

Cardinia council debt is $67 million, that’s what they tell us!
The Gazette reports on 16 April – “Don’t panic, ratepayers. We are good for a $67 million bill”.
Council claims there is no panic in council ranks. Of course not, it’s the ratepayers who have to repay the debt.
Cardinia council claims “the extra $25 million borrowings development will not lead to any rate increases and the debt can be adequately serviced by responsible fiscal management over the next few years”.
Cardinia council budget paper of 2013/2014 details that during the period 2012/2013 – 2016/2017 our rate increase will be 30.1 per cent.
Ratepayers are being gouged at every avenue, rising utilities cost of living and our rates are to soar by 30.1 per cent over the next four years.
How many ratepayers can no longer afford to pay these massive increase, there are thousands and many have signed the petition to have this council investigated.
We have written to council requesting can they please provide details of their fiscally responsible plan to repay the massive debt and over what period.
We still eagerly await a reply.
If council believes our rates won’t rise further to cover the rising debt then we must all live in another world.
This is the reason why people need to voice their disapproval over Cardinia council handling of our finances, hence why Sack Cardinia Council Action Group was formed.
It’s easy to spend other people’s money. Enough is enough!
Andrew McNabb, Officer,
Mary Leah, Upper Beaconsfield,
Sack Cardinia Council Action Group.