By Bonny Burrows
‘Expensive rates’ was a hot topic at Cardinia Shire Council’s draft budget 2017/’18 community consultation sessions last week.
The sessions, held in Officer, Gembrook and Kooweerup broke down council’s financial plans for the next year and delved into the logistics of the document.
Despite small numbers, with just 12 ratepayers attending, Cardinia Shire Council general manager of Corporate Services Derek Madden said those in attendance provided council with a variety of feedback.
He said residents were particularly interested in updates on community infrastructure projects, including road maintenance, and the affordability of rates.
With a proposed 2 per cent rate increase for the next financial year, Mr Madden used the sessions as an opportunity to explain the intricacies of rates.
Rates were calculated by adding up all the rateable properties in the shire, divided by the total rate revenue required by council, he said.
When asked about Cardinia’s “high rates” compared to more expensive properties in other Melbourne areas, the general manager said you couldn’t compare the two due to demographic differences.
“It’s the million dollar question we’re always asked,” Mr Madden said.
“But rates are for the average property within the area, when you take it outside the area it changes quite a bit.”
He also said there was confusion that because there was 2 per cent increase on the cards, it applied to all Cardinia properties.
“But a 2 per cent rate cap doesn’t mean individual property rates go up two per cent, it means council’s total rates go up 2 per cent,” Mr Madden said at Kooweerup’s consultation session, explaining the increases would vary between households.
He also reiterated that with property evaluations scheduled for 2018, rates would increase in the coming years, however, council would do what it could to minimise expenses.
Mr Madden advised anyone with questions to read the draft document and listen to the audio from the first consultation meeting at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Residents have until 5pm, Wednesday 3 May to provide written feedback on the draft budget. Information on how do to so can also be found on the council’s website.
