Port Stephens Council has extended the consultation period for its proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) to the end of August.
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Residents will now have until August 31, an extra eight days, to submit their feedback about the proposed rate rise, coming as the council passes the halfway mark of its community consultation process which has included meetings, round table discussions and information booths.
“Proposing to increase rates is not something we take lightly,” Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.
“We know how this will affect our communities and the financial impacts that some will feel. We also hear loud and clear that our community wants more.
“What we’re proposing is to plan a better future for Port Stephens – to invigorate the whole of our area. I strongly encourage all in our community to have their say and provide a submission.”
Cr Palmer said the community feedback received so far has been varied. While there has been support for the idea, questions about affordability and concerns have been raised.
West Ward councillor Giacomo Arnott, who voted against the motion to move forward with the SRV application when it went before the council in July, has previously told Fairfax Media that a rate rise is something residents “can’t afford”.
“The average ratepayer in Port Stephens pays $1000 in rates a year,” he said. “Electricity prices are rising, the cost of groceries is rising, I’d say the possibility of interests rates rising is very likely.
“The projects that have been outlined to [benefit from the rate rise] are all really, really good projects but it’s just that people can’t afford it.”
The council has put forward four options for the community to consider, and highlighted what the money raised from the rate hike would go towards.
From the revenue, the council said it will spend $36 million on revitalising town centres, $56m to improve the Port’s road network, $16m on better drainage and $9.5m on sport and recreation facilities.
In addition to extending the consultation period, the council has brought on Micromex Research and Consulting to conduct a telephone survey about the proposed rate rise across Port Stephens.
Cr Palmer said this was to “seek further feedback from the community”.
Related reading:
Join the SRV conversation
Council to community information sessions:
Seaham
Thursday, August 16, 4pm-6pm, Seaham Community Hall
Salamander Bay
Saturday, August 18, 10am-1pm, Tomaree Community Centre
Information booth:
Nelson Bay
Saturday, August 18, time TBC, Love Seafood Festival at d’Albora Marina
Shoal Bay
Monday, August 20, 8am-11am, Shoal Bay shopping complex
Community feedback:
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday, August 31. You can provide feedback in five ways:
- Online through Council's website on the Engagement Hub site
- By email to srv@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
- In writing on a submission form available at the information sessions
- By letter to Port Stephens Council, PO Box 42, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
- You may be contacted to take part in a telephone survey.
Quote PSC 2018-02118 with your feedback.