By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Casey residents’ rates will rise by no more than two per cent in 2017-’18, after councillors voted to not seek a rate cap variation.
According to a council report, the council did not have an “immediate financial need” for a higher rates rise but was likely to apply for a variation in future years.
It however claimed that the State Government-imposed rate capping regime would cause a $180 million infrastructure gap over the next decade for new kindergartens, community centres and sports grounds.
“Operating in a growth area, council has a long-term need to seek rates above the imposed rate cap, as a rate cap does not allow council to deliver the infrastructure and services our growing community expects.”
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association claimed victory in its “ongoing campaign against excessive rate rises”.
In a statement, it said the council’s claimed infrastructure black-hole was scaremongering and a “warped version of reality”.
“It is scaremongering, based on a flawed notion that if there is a shortage of council income the only solution is to increase rates,” CRRA president Arvo Talvik said.
“Now that there are a few new faces on council who are willing to speak out against excessive rate rises, it seems that the mayor and the CEO of Casey no longer have free reign on their endless quest for higher rates.”
Mr Talvik said Casey’s $250,000 application for a variation to the Essential Services Commission failed, yet the council remained in a strong financial position.
Mayor Sam Aziz said the CRRA assertions were “laughable”.
“They have no idea, no influence and no understanding of the budget process.”
Cr Aziz said the council had not required a variation because it had been assisted by $8 million in state infrastructure grants in late 2016.
“There’s still a black hole that’s been filled in 2017-’18 thanks to a few State Government grants.
“There’s still a problem in future years if we’re not supported by government grants.”
