Media release – Brighton Council, 24 June 2021
Brighton maintains low-rate regime
Brighton Council has maintained its low rates regime keeping rises at or below the trend CPI increase for the 26th year in succession, rising by just 1.1 percent for the coming financial year.
At the same time Council embarked on its largest capital works program in the past financial year, building new infrastructure and renewal projects across the municipality. This will continue in the current financial year with expenditure of self-funded capital renewal projects to increase by 34 percent to $4.102 million.
Retiring Mayor Tony Foster said Brighton Council was determined to maintain its long-term policy of keeping rates as low as possible.
Rates for 2021-2022 financial year will increase in line with this year’s CPI of 1.1 percent, plus last year’s 3.4 percent increase held over as part of Council’s extensive support package introduced to cushion the impact on ratepayers of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The 2021/22 Budget predicts a surplus, with depreciation fully funded and the record increase in capital renewal throughout the municipality,” Cr Foster said.
“This includes tree planting throughout the municipality, improvements to the Cris Fitzpatrick Park, the upgrading of Albion and Cove Hill Roads and Andrew and Munday Streets in Brighton, as well as improvements to the foreshore walkway at Old Beach and at Pontville Park.
“We have been able to maintain our low-rate regime offering ratepayers the lowest rates in Tasmania in spite of the serious financial impact of the pandemic on all councils. Our Long-Term Financial Plan forecasts Brighton’s rates continuing in line with the trend CPI.
“As well as the Council’s current capital works and renewal projects, we are seeing record levels of private development as well as major projects in the pipeline including the replacement Bridgewater Bridge and new Brighton High School.”
Cr Foster said the budget demonstrated Brighton Council’s financial strength and sustainability, and ability to provide the full range of services and facilities for the community.
“The total rate rise equates to $41 per residence and the Council remains debt-free.
“Council is extremely confident about Brighton’s future and its role in supporting and improving the municipality, as well as a central hub for the surrounding region.
“Brighton ratepayers continue to benefit from the full range of services at the lowest possible cost and the decisions we made this year will enable us to maintain this approach in the current environment and into the future,” Cr Foster said.
