Lord mayoral candidate Dr Peter Sexton has found a source of Council funds which can be used to limit future rate increases in Hobart. Alderman Sexton has committed to work to limit future rates increases to CPI or less and has now found a way to ensure that his election promise is feasible.
Hobart City Council budget estimates indicate that the parking fund will increase to $35 million dollars over the next five years. To date, Council has applied the proceeds of parking income (fines, on and off-street parking income) only to the provision of parking services and infrastructure, as was required by law until 2001-02.
“With the increased number of Council car parks coming on line, the parking fund is an ideal source of income to offset rate increases and to enhance infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways, cycle-ways, street furniture and lighting”, Dr Sexton said.
“The current restrictions in use of the parking fund result from an outdated Council policy and I will strongly support a change of use for this significant source of Council funds”, he said.
“Rather than oppose or reduce car parking in the Hobart CBD as has been the approach by some aldermen on Council, I believe that car-parking revenue is an ideal source of funds which should be used to enhance the liveability, sustainability of Hobart and to reduce the financial burden on our rate payers”, Alderman Sexton said.
“The proceeds from the preference of many Tasmanian residents to drive and park their cars, especially in our CBD, provide an unexpected windfall which should be used to benefit our city and our rate payers”.
