Last night (25 June) Glenorchy City Council unanimously adopted the budget including the 12.5 per cent rate revenue increase. About 50 people turned up the meeting and question time was extended from the normal 15 minutes 45 minutes to allow the public to have as many questions answered as possible.
The community was informed about the draft budget at a recent community budget briefing session that attracted about 200 people.
Mayor Kristie Johnston said this was the first time since she came on to Council in 2011 that she has voted in support of the budget.
“This new Council has distinguished itself from the past administration in its approach to the budget. Unlike previous years, this Council has delved deeply into understanding Council’s true financial position and has engaged with the General Manager in looking at all savings and revenue measures that are possible,” she said.
“I particularly commend the six new Aldermen of their preparation for budget discussions, their thoughtful input and their commitment to robustly challenging management on behalf of the community they serve. In this regard, the new Council is remarkably different to the last one.
“The adopted budget is an accurate representation of Council’s financial position and reflects a responsible path towards sustainability. Unlike previous budgets, it does not over-promise or make unrealistic assumptions.
“This Council has not only talked about being open and transparent in its budget deliberations but has actually followed through and done it by adopting this budget tonight.
“I understand the community’s frustration with this rate revenue increase and I urge the community to keep asking questions to gain a thorough understanding of this very complex process we have gone through. It is unfair and hard on the community but we need to keep this Council going and start making positive stories for our future and leave the dark recent history behind us.
“I also want to reiterate that Independent analysis from the Auditor-General’s office shows Glenorchy City Council’s average rate per rateable property is the lowest of Tasmanian cities including Devonport and Burnie. Even after the rate revenue increase has been applied, Glenorchy would still remain the lowest.
Mayor Kristie Johnston