Council debated freezing rates amid rising living costs, inflation, and interest rates, but motion failed; survey seeks public opinion on rate increases.

By Campbell Spence

In March, Cr Rhonda Clark put a motion to Council to freeze rates for the upcoming financial year while ensuring the preservation of essential services' quality and accessibility. The motion was seconded by Cr Christina Sirakoff. 

 

The motion sought to address the impact of escalating living costs, inflation, and successive interest rate hikes, warranting urgent measures to alleviate the financial burdens faced by the community.

 

Cr Clark said, “residents are impacted by significant cost of living pressures and my motion seeks to provide much needed relief to Port Phillip residents and business owners, including renters whose rents are rising in part to absorb rates.   No increase in rates will help with the cost-of-living crisis at a time when everyone is impacted by cost-of living pressure, inflation and thirteen interest rate rises”.  

 

Cr Clark urged for a reduction in spending by 1.6 percent across all service areas to realize a $3.6 million efficiency in expenditure. The motion acknowledged the expertise of the CEO and officers and entrusted them with the task of identifying and implementing operational efficiencies. 

 

The motion was lost, with six out of the nine Councillors voting against it. 

 

For:                          Crs Rhonda Clark, Marcus Pearl, and Christina Sirakoff

Against:                Crs Tim Baxter, Louise Crawford, Heather Cunsolo, Peter Martin, Robbie Nyaguy, Andrew Bond

 

Do you agree with the Council’s proposal to increase rates and charges in the 2024-25 Budget? Should the Council freeze rates to help with the cost-of-living crisis at a time when everyone is impacted by cost-of living pressure, inflation and thirteen interest rate rises? 

Council would like to hear your opinion in their survey - click on the link