IN support of the special rates variation requested by Eurobodalla Shire Council, this local government area urgently needs the works and services the variation will fund.
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Opponents of the variation will argue that ratepayers are unable to afford the increases but if ABS Census data is correct, 37 per cent of ratepayers do not live in the shire.
I can only assume those properties must be their second, third or fourth properties, so to argue that those ratepayers can’t afford a small rate increase is disingenuous, to say the least.
It may well be that poor practices in the past meant council assets and infrastructure were not as well maintained as they should have been but the current council should be given the necessary funds to bring our assets up to scratch within a reasonable time.
As a community representative on council’s Disability Advisory Committee, I think council must be congratulated for seeking to use part of the rates variation to improve accessibility in the shire.
In the 21st century it is scandalous that a child with disability cannot use play equipment or mix with non-disabled peers in an inclusive environment.
Why should a taxpayer (or former taxpayer) not be able to use a community hall because the building is inaccessible?
Why are there parts of the shire that some families can’t visit because there is no accessible toilet?
I urge residents to support Eurobodalla Shire Council’s request for a special rate variation by contacting the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal and making your views known.
Gail Stevens
Malua Bay