Ratepayers must keep an eye on local government rate increases

With rates and charges increasing by an average of 8.4 per cent over the last decade, the peak body
pushing for council reform has called on struggling ratepayers to closely follow the setting of council
rates in this years budgets.

Tasmanians for Reform spokeswoman Mary Massina said she was concerned that many councils
were looking to increase rates well beyond the consumer price index which currently sits at about
one per cent.

“A number of the critical local government meetings are often not transparent and ratepayers
should seek information from their councillors and alderman on the progress of their rates
considerations,” Ms Massina said.

“Recently we’ve seen councils claim they may have to discontinue recycling services in the face of
rising costs, while other councils are either charging a levy for waste management (Hobart),
increasing tip fee costs (Launceston) or are only collecting rubbish once a fortnight (Glenorchy).

“What is concerning is it would appear local government is attempting to soften ratepayers up
before they slug them for increased costs.

“Given that rates and charges have gone up on average at 8.4 per cent for over a decade, I think the
community could rightly expect that they will not be slugged by local government for another year.”

Ms Massina said since Tasmanians for Reform raised the need for council reform some two years
ago, local government has been talking up the benefits of resource sharing but as yet had been
unable to demonstrate any savings.

“Now is the time for local government to put its money where its mouth is and show that like the
Federal and State Governments, it is willing to pull its belt in to ensure that struggling ratepayers are
not again slugged with unreasonable rate increases,” Ms Massina said.
Tasmanians for Reform spokeswoman Mary Massina