Goya Dmytryshchak
Hobsons Bay council’s draft 2021-22 budget has been described as lacking empathy towards ratepayers because of a proposed rate rise of “3.5 per cent in real terms”.
Ratepayers Victoria (RV) has made a formal objection to this year’s proposed 1.5 per cent increase on top of the 2 per cent rebate it said the council proposed to recover from last year.
Victoria’s raterpayers advocacy group joined nearly 30 individuals who made a written submission opposing rate rises.
RV president Dean Hurlston stated: “We believe this budget does not respond to the current economic climate, does not represent value for money, does not make responsible economic decisions and lacks empathy for Hobsons Bay residents and business who are still trying to recover from 2020 COVID impacts”.
Mr Hurlston also addressed councillors in a verbal presentation.
“Every dollar matters to your community and and like every other major company in the world, it’s time that you did the hard work – that’s what you’re elected for whether you like it or not,” he said.
“Hobsons Bay has assets well over $1.35 billion so, respectfully, don’t believe council officers when they start telling you you need to penny-pinch – that’s just you being stage-managed.”
In a written submission, Ruth Cronin stated the proposed rate rise was out of step with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was still being felt.
“The timing of the proposed rate increase is appalling and has failed to acknowledge or appreciate the struggle of its constituents,” she stated.
“Now is not the time to try to generate revenue … now is the time for compassion and empathy.”
Simon Kingston stated the rate rise was unnecessary when people were still in COVID recovery and faced with closure of the ExxonMobil refinery and Qenos plastics plant.
“As a long-term ratepayer of 30-plus years in the same residence, my rates have increased nearly tenfold,” he wrote.
“This is far out of proportion with wages growth and is reducing people’s ability to pay their other bills.”
“Your social conscience must be mindful and this increase in the rates cannot be justified at this time.”
Matthew Gelicrisio stated “that given the impact of COVID on many families and small businesses a 3.5 per cent rate rise would be abusive”.
Karen Kennedy stated the council’s hardship policy was “just a deferral payment plan with no discounts, no compassion and no logic”.
“As a ratepayer for nearly 40 years, l am appalled and disgusted that the council … proposed an increase in rates during a time which we haven’t seen in more than 100 years,” she stated.
Bradley Gillman stated the increase was “an absolute kick in the face by an out-of-touch council”.
Robyn Docwra urged the council to “have some compassion for your residents”.
Councillors are set to make a decision on the budget on June 29.
