Those of you in Central Ward who read my candidate profile and letter box flyer will know that I believe in “low rates”. I accepted the 06/07 budget increase of 4.8% and worked with my fellow councillors in setting the 07/08 increase at 5.0 % after significant public consultation that included a professionally conducted phone survey of over 600 ratepayers. I have spent many hours in consultation with ratepayers (including some of the almost 30% who are on fixed incomes) and in studying the survey results and the budget process. I consider that an appropriate increase for 08/09 is 4.5%. {subsequently the rate was set at 4.8%}.

A review of the strategic plan is imminent. In its current form it provides for an over 24% rate increase in the next 4 years (july/08 thru june/12) following the over 19.6% increase in the previous period (july/04 thru june/08). I believe council can improve its revenue through commonsense development and in encouraging private/council partnerships. It can make savings through asset consolidation and in strategic maintenance planning. There is much to be done but I am optimistic that more of my fellow councillors will appreciate the need to move to a more meaningful plan. One that is costed, has appropriate timelines, and includes a benefit analysis for review by ratepayers.

A Honda Civic Hybrid produces 16.35 tonnes of greenhouse gas (CO2) per year (15000km). Under the Kyoto agreement this could cost $A30 x 16.35 = $A490.50 in carbon offset, or, offset by planting 17 native trees (Greenfleet) and maintaining them in a forest for 100 years.