Hills rates climb

HILLS residents will now face a 5.8 per cent rate increase, following the adoption of Cardinia Shire Council’s 2009-10 budget last month.
The rise also includes a $50 rebate for any residents on Newstart allowance.
Mayor Bill Pearson said the council had struck a balance between stimulating the local economy and creating and maintaining jobs in this year’s budget.
“It has been developed to enable the council to continue to meet the challenges associated with a rapidly expanding population,” he said.
The budget features a $19 million capital works spending spree including cash for the long-awaited Gembrook Community Centre, announced last month.
Copies of the budget can be downloaded from the council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au.