We just don't want to pay for it.
Today's Spark Mayoralypics chases a stance on the hot-button issue of rates.
Of all the council topics, rate rises probably stir up the most fear and anger. However, there are publicly available numbers that provide ratepaying voters with a rhetoric-free picture of Shoalhaven City Council and how it compares with the 128 local government areas around NSW.
The rates graphed above are taken directly from the NSW Government's Your Council site. Shoalhaven is compared with 10 other councils in the "OLG 5" group, a Regional Town/City category of similar councils defined according to demographic variables assigned by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The 2021/22 data is the most current available information.
But what do our Shoalhaven Mayoral candidates think about rates?
Mayoralympics Heat 3
How do you expect the issue of rate rises to play out in a new Shoalhaven council?
What information or local perspectives have you drawn on to inform your position?
What will you as Mayor seek in your approach to Shoalhaven rate decisions?
Jemma Tribe
The threat of administrators coming in and making decisions with the stroke of a pen is an issue that comes up often in conversation right now. One of the major reasons I decided to stick my neck out is to avoid this situation and to gather a team of business but also community-minded people who could help tackle the challenges with innovative ideas and a heart for people.
The community made it very clear during debate around the proposed steep rate hikes last year that they wanted to council to get their own house in order first. A process has unfolded since and while I understand the reasons behind the drip-feeding approach it does make it difficult to consider things on balance.
Finishing this body of work and carefully considering each business review with a proper business case is important. I would like to see all the proposed solutions (costed) that will address the $35 million black hole and take that to the community for consultation.
Kaye Gartner
Last night at a Meet the Candidates forum, the issue of a rate rise was discussed. All Mayoral candidates acknowledged a rate rise is on the cards. All over NSW Councils are struggling to maintain roads, assets and community services. The State government-imposed rate caps have hindered Councils. The Federal Assistance Grants were halved. And yet the work Councils carry out has increased.
As Mayor, I will establish a Revenue taskforce. This taskforce will mirror the Financial Sustainability Taskforce because we need new, politically independent revenue streams. Visitor-paid parking is a common source of local government revenue throughout NSW. Shoalhaven residents ask me – why hasn’t it already happened? A revenue task force can explore this and other opportunities.
I will also lobby hard with the Australian Local Government Association, with all NSW Councils, to have Federal Assistance Grants returned to 1% of Federal tax revenue. This alone would increase Council Revenue significantly.
These measures speak to long-term financial sustainability, which is the aim I will pursue as Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council.
If the next Council receives advice that a rate rise is necessary, then Community consultation will follow. Due process will drive any increase. Rate revenue is what pays for road maintenance, asset maintenance, our parks and leisure centres, our libraries. As a community, we may need to face up to the costs of caring for the services we love.
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Got a question to ask Jemma Tribe or Kaye Gartner? Post it in the comments or email it to thesparkshoalhaven@gmail.com
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