Tension mounts over rate rise

TENSION over the recent approval of a 9.5 per cent rate rise for Shellharbour residents has reduced some councillors to a verbal slinging match and has sparked criticism of the conduct of councillors at general meetings.

Cr Tom Hawker has criticised opposition to the rate rise by some Independent councillors, claiming they have a limited understanding of Shellharbour City Councils budget.

Stubborn opposition for oppositions sake gets us nowhere, he said.

Certain of our councillors need to see the light on this issue and move on.

They refuse to understand what they have been told by our General Manager and Councils accounting staff on the need for a rate rise.

No-one wants a rate rise, but costs go up and there are fundamental things needing to be done.

If we dont pay now, we will have to pay later and it will cost more.

We must be responsible.

Independent councillor, Charlie Mifsud said he had never shied away from responsibility.

I have acknowledged the need for a rate increase, he said.

Its the extent of the rise that concerns me.

I believe 9.5 per cent is too high.

Independent councillor, Jeff Bailey claims that Labor party councillors voted in a block on the rate rise, without responsible consideration on the issue as individuals.

Certain Labor councillors are struggling to cope with the task of thinking for themselves and by voting in a block, they are not allowing themselves room to manoeuvre, he said.

I am totally against the rate rise and feel its a kick in the guts for residents.

There are many people in this city living on a low wage and they are being slapped in the teeth.

If councillors need a lesson in accounting, or finance in general, then Im happy to teach them.

This could include a lesson on reality and how to look after the people of this city.

Cr Hawker claims the independents are chasing the popular vote.

If you constantly go for the popular vote and reject a necessary rate rise, then services to residents will suffer.

Eventually, the bill will come in and you cant pay it with popularity.

Just like maintaining an engine, you need to make small repairs along the way, or risk major damage in the long run.

Why dont the so-called independents question the federal government for crippling costs, such as petrol, affecting low income earners.

The far reaching repercussions of this make a far greater impact on their lives than a necessary 9.5 per cent rate rise that aims to maintain vital services to the people of Shellharbour.

As for Cr Bailey teaching his fellow councillors a lesson in accounting, or indeed life, I feel his need may be greater.

Some of his Independent colleagues recognise the need for a rate rise, even though they may not agree on the amount.

Deputy Mayor, Michele Greig said she regretted the need for a rate rise.

People may not like it, but they need to understand that there is no option, she said.

We are all individually affected by a rate rise.

No-one is immune.

The bottom line is that in order to provide the services needed by residents, a rise is necessary.

We are working for the community not against it.

Resident, Bob Parsons has criticised the rate rise, claiming it was not endorsed by the people of Shellharbour.

It did not have public support, he said.

He claims last years five thousand signature petition clearly indicated public opposition to a 9.5 per cent rate rise.

Dissension between Shellharbour councillors over issues such as a rate rise has led to some residents slamming their behaviour.

Harry Gooden claims that as a consistent attendee at Councils meetings, he has witnessed chaotic, disorder.

The meeting held on May 23 fell into chaos, with unacceptable acts of disorder and insults, with no appropriate discipline applied by the chair, he said.

When asked about these claims, Cr Hawker referred to the behaviour of those in the gallery.

I think its a case of the pot calling the kettle black, he said.