In addition to providing more detailed information and a voice for the people, the forum, facilitated by the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) at Nelson Bay Bowling Club, proved that it could be hard sell for those in favour of a rate increase.

The meeting opened with a 30-minute presentation by mayor Ryan Palmer on the benefits of the SRV with support from councillors Steve Tucker, Glen Dunkley and Sarah Smith.

However, it was a five minute rebuke from Cr Giacomo Arnott which drew most applause from the audience.

Cr Arnott, the lone councillor to publicly condemn the proposed rate rise, provided a raft of reasons behind his opposition. Not the least being the hardship imposed on struggling families and pensioners, which resonated with many in attendance.

“This proposal is incredibly unfair to people already struggling under rising fuel and electricity prices and will affect low income workers, pensioners, families and renters.

“Port Stephens has a growing unemployment rate, businesses are struggling and it was not that long ago that Nelson Bay ranked number one in NSW in home mortgage defaults.”

Earlier, Mayor Palmer had impressed on the people the need to lift rates in order to allow investment and spending in a growing Port Stephens.

“We have projects which are really needed, projects which are long overdue and projects which are on the never never list,” he said.

“Yes we can continue to apply for grants, we can ask Santa Claus or we can apply for a rate increase ... delivering over $100 million over 10 years in funded projects.”

Cr Dunkley said that jobs would be created by investing money in the local economy, while Cr Smith stated “if you want more you have to pay more”. Cr Tucker summed up the mood: “This is an opportunity for all residents to have your say”.

Residents are being asked to comment on four options ranging from maintaining the annual rate peg to raising the levy between 6.5 per cent and 8.5 per cent per annum over seven years.