It is time that the debate on the variation focused on the advantages and realities of what our elected representatives have agreed.

The conversation is now at such a low level that it has become a sport to kick the council, the assumption being that they are bad managers of our money and, worse, that they are all incompetent.

It is particularly galling that some of the hysteria is being generated by blatant self-interest.

The facts are that the Eurobodalla Shire’s rates are 20 per cent below the average when compared to peer Group 4 councils; council has the fifth lowest residential and farmland rate of the Group 4 councils; council rates are lower than neighbouring shires’; council rates for the average residential rated property will increase cumulatively by $1.02 a week in year one, $2.10 a week in year two, and $3.26 a week in year three; council employee percentage costs are below the average and median for Group 4 and the state.

The variation will not apply to water, sewer and waste charges.

To me, they look like reasonable numbers of a council living within its means.

Residents have been receiving the benefits of a low-cost rate structure for many years and it will continue to be below those of our peer councils after the rate rise.

The variation’s increase is justified by allowing council to upgrade and maintain valuable infrastructure and to continue to provide the excellent level of services to our community.

If you want to be part of a vibrant, inclusive community whose facilities meet your needs, then the modest rate rise is the price to pay.

Mark Barraclough

Broulee