Concessions for Port Stephens ratepayers feeling financial hardship were front and centre as councillors seeking the 7.5 per cent Special Rate Variation (SRV) advanced their proposal to the planning stage.
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Councillors at the November 13 meeting voted 7-1 in favour of adopting the revised draft plans [Crs Jaimie Abbott and Glenn Dunkley granted leave of absence], giving ratepayers another opportunity to comment on the proposed rate rise.
Ratepayers have until December 21 to comment on the draft documents which are available on the council website.
Community meetings will also take place at Birubi Surf Club on Thursday, November 29, at Raymond Terrace Senior Citizens Club on Wednesday, December 5, and at Medowie Community Hall on Thursday, December 6.
The councillors made it clear that there would be some relief for those ratepayers expected to be impacted financially, including pensioners.
Council has a number of measures in place to assist ratepayers experiencing financial hardship including a pensioner rate concession, flexible repayments and the deferral of rates against estates for the aged.
“Should the SRV proceed the council proposes to further reduce financial impacts on pensioners by introducing domestic waste service charge reductions for eligible pensioners, plus a new rates assistance program for non-pensioners,” a council spokesperson said.
“The council is also planning to partner with local welfare/financial counselling services to provide assistance of up to $250 for those who are not eligible for a pensioner rate concession.”
SRV combatants Giacomo Arnott and mayor Ryan Palmer found common ground during debate when they questioned the disappearance of $3 million in proposed funding for Raymond Terrace town centre
A final decision on the SRV will very much hinge on the council submission to IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) and how it addresses the criteria.
An IPART spokesperson told the Examiner that just last week it had updated its fact sheet on how applications would be assessed, including councils that want to apply for increases that continue for up to seven years.
“The criteria relates to reasons for the SRV; community awareness and engagement; impact on ratepayers; public exhibition; and cost savings – past and future.”
The spokesperson said that it was not unusual for IPART to receive proposals for multi-year rate increases.
“In the last round Balranald Council was approved for a 7-year increase, while in the previous year Lockhart Council applied for something similar but wasn’t approved.”
Councillors were eager to ensure that ratepayers were provided the opportunity to comment on the $100 million investment in infrastructure and council projects with Cr Paul Le Mottee highlighting the benefits of extra jobs to be created within Port Stephens over 10-plus years.
Cr Arnott again pleaded with his colleagues to put a stop to the rate hike and relieve struggling families of another cost burden.
“We have an opportunity tonight to stop the SRV in its tracks and give ratepayers an early Christmas gift. I will be voting against slugging the community 66 per cent over seven years,” he said.
Earlier during public access, Raymond Terrace pensioner Peter Cooper had called on the council to re-think the 7.5% increase and consider a lower rate of 4% over four years.
“This will allow the current council to function over the next two years before elections are due and provide the elected council with enough funds to kick off their four-year term,” he said.
“Wages have not gone up and pensions will only go up at the same rate as the CPI increase. I believe this council should be no different.”
IPART will assess each application based on its merits, taking into consideration the size of the council, its resources, the size of the proposed increase, current rate levels and previous rate rises, purpose of the special variation, and any other matter considered relevant in the SRV assessment.
