Rates squeeze

By EMMA SUN
YARRA Ranges residents face a rate rise of 5.7 per cent this year, one of the lowest rises delivered by the council yet.
The average rate increase for council services is 4.2 per cent, with an additional 1.5 per cent to cover the Carbon Tax, which is lower than last year’s rate rise of 6.9 per cent and well under that of the 2010/11 rise of 7.65 per cent.
Mayor Graham Warren said this year’s budget has been one of the toughest yet.
“The expectations on council are rising and the community want more from the council so we’ve been very frugal on the rate increase,” he said.
Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said during the council meeting last Tuesday evening the 4.2 per cent increase, which was brought down from an original 5 per cent, was a fantastic outcome.
“It represents significant tightening of the belt by council without reducing its services,” she said.
“I think it’s a very responsible budget that responds to the pressures we have.
“I commend this budget and look forward to hearing what the community has to say.”
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan agreed with Cr Dunn’s comments and added that councillors worked hard to give ratepayers a minimal rate rise.
“I think this is the first time we’ve sent the (council) officers back again and again and again – we understand we need to keep it at the lowest of low,” he said.