June 26, 2012
Greens spokesman Grant Newson has questioned why residents of the South Burnett Regional Council area are facing a probable rate rise in the upcoming Council Budget.
“Early reports from the Mayor and Councillors have indicated that the rise is due to factors ranging from the carbon tax to land valuations,” Mr Newson said.
“With the Department of Natural Resources land valuations having a neutral or negative valuation within the South Burnett, this cannot be used as an excuse for an increase.
“If you contact the DNR you will be informed that their valuations are not a tool for councils to use as an excuse for any increase.
“The carbon tax will also have a minimum impact on costing for the running of councils.
“With any Refuse Levy being scrapped for 532 out of 565 Councils there will be no extra costs incurred from our local rubbish tips either.”
Mr Newson said funding had been slashed across Queensland by the new State Government so councils were scurrying to grab any extra cash they could from ratepayers.
“Unfortunately with the downturn in industry, financial hardships are widespread, house values falling, job uncertainty and the South Burnett infrastructure still struggling from natural disasters, councils need to tighten their belts and not rush to try and recoup any loss of funding from struggling locals,” Mr Newson said.
“(The) South Burnett council is also able to draw from the $200 million energy restructuring programs. I have rung the Mayor’s office but haven’t had a response from them as yet on this matter.
“I am sure that the residents of the South Burnett would like to know why we are having an increase, exactly the reason is for any increase proposed and what Council intend to do with this extra revenue.”
