The first of four community forums to discuss the proposed special rate variation by the Upper Hunter Shire Council was held on Tuesday evening.
More than 50 community members gathered in the council chambers for the forum which aimed to provide residents, landholders and ratepayers with information on the rate increase as well as allow the residents to ask questions.
The council, led by general manager Daryl Dutton and senior staff presented the council’s reasons for applying to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a special rate variation of 6.4 per cent taking the total increase to 10 per cent.
The increase is expected to generate an extra $500,000 per year which the council will use to upgrade the roads in the shire with $200,000 going towards unsealed roads, and $100,000 each to urban sealed roads, rural sealed roads and bridge upgrades and replacements.
The community forum was part of an extensive community consultation process launched by the council in October last year and ending on Tuesday, February 13.
To date the council has conducted an online survey, distributed letters to landholders, ordered an independent telephone survey and welcomed any questions or responses directly to staff and councillors.
Findings of the telephone survey were released on Tuesday and found that 72 per cent of residents surveyed indicated that it is at least somewhat important the council is granted the requested special rate variation and overall 61 per cent were at least somewhat supportive of the proposal.
Almost 100 per cent of those surveyed indicated they believed the council should implement plans and programs to improve infrastructure and facilities.
Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts said the council’s decision to increase the rates was not being taken lightly.
She said the council would not be doing its job if it didn’t provide for infrastructure and councillors were keen to hear the community’s opinion.
Main concerns highlighted by residents included the financial burden on those already struggling, the council’s financial position and why it was not covering the infrastructure and the correct use of the funds.
Upper Hunter Shire general manager Daryl Dutton said the rate variation was something the council had considered over some time.
He said the council was also looking for any available grants to offset the rates.
“The rate pegging limit has gone down and the road needs have gone up.
“It’s about looking at the long term assets, the nettle has to be grasped at some time,” Mr Dutton said.
“We believe our increases are for the long term benefit of all people in the shire.”
The council will form a decision at an extraordinary council meeting on February 20 which will then be submitted to IPART by February 24; however a result will not be released until June 6.
The next community forum will be held at Aberdeen Community Centre at 6pm tonight, followed by Murrurundi RSL Hall on Tuesday and Merriwa Council Building next Thursday at 6pm.
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