[Greens-Media] (Sylvia Hale MLC) Rate Increases Must Improve Services

[Christopher Holley]

Rate Increases Must Improve Services

The revenue from any rate increases by local Councils should be used to
improve community services, not to fill the hole in the state
government’s budget, according to NSW Greens MP and Local Government
spokesperson Sylvia Hale.

“The Premier’s offer to consider removing rate pegging for councils
is welcome. Rate pegging has seen many councils become financially
unviable and local services and infrastructure run down,” said Ms
Hale.

“Unfortunately if he proceeds to remove the payroll tax exemption for
local councils at the same time it will merely be a cash grab by the
state government and local communities will be worse off, paying higher
rates without any improvement in local services.”

“The state government’s systematic under-investment in
infrastructure has left the state in a run down condition with
inadequate and antiquated transport and health systems. Rate capping has
seen local infrastructure like roads, libraries, parks and community
centres also run down.”

“The people of NSW really have to decide whether we want to live in a
state with third world facilities or one with first world services and
infrastructure. While rate pegging has reduced costs to individual
landowners, it has led us down the third world road when it comes to
community facilities.” 

“Councils need adequate funds to meet the expectations of the local
communities they serve. Both rate pegging and cost-shifting by the state
government have left councils without that necessary level of funds, ”
said Ms Hale.

Further information: Chris Holley 02 9230 3030 / 0437 779 546