By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
CASEY council plans to increase residents’ rates by more than the 2.5 per cent rate cap which was just introduced this year.
On Tuesday 2 February the City of Casey announced it was applying for a rate cap variation next month, and has written to the Essential Services Commission (ESC) to outline its proposal.
However a spokesman for Casey council has refused to say how much of an increase the council would apply for from the ESC.
It’s understood Casey council will be required to prove that ratepayers and the community were consulted during the process.
In December community views were sought during the council’s focus group and online consultation, according to the spokesperson.
Mayor Sam Aziz conceded this would be an unpopular decision but said the council was acting in the best interests of ratepayers.
“While the easier route would be to work within the imposed rate cap of 2.5 per cent and slash essential services, by signalling its intent to seek a rate cap variation council is acting responsibility to shield residents from a future infrastructure black hole and service cuts,” he said.
“Council is taking steps now not to unduly burden ratepayers in future years.
“Given the cumulative impacts of rate capping, Casey’s need will be higher in later years if council doesn’t act this year.
“Without an addition to the cap, the reality is residents moving into new estates will go years before infrastructure including family and children’s centres and sporting ovals and pavilions is constructed, if at all.”
Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association Rex Flannery slammed the council’s decision.
“The community deserves better by not having people keep putting their hands in their pockets,” he said.
“We support rate capping purely and simply because that’s what the community is calling out for.”
On Tuesday Shadow Minister for Local Government David Davis criticized the State Government’s rate capping plan, noting that 21 councils – including Casey – had formally sought an exemption from the cap.
