I recently learnt of the proposed increase to fees associated with the Raymond Island Ferry. I also understand there is a push from the Raymond Island community to challenge this increase. I would like to offer my support for this cause as well as my own thoughts on the matter.
While never a resident of Raymond Island I have visited the island frequently since I was a young boy (over a quarter century) as my family maintained a holiday house on the island. The Ferry is more than a mode of transport and to view it as mere infrastructure with attached running costs is myopic. Its an institution central to the character and feel of Raymond Island.
Its why the proposed increase in fees elicits such a strong emotional reaction from so many people. And not because people do not accept they should pay for services they use. But because there is no method to the increase. They see something they hold dear being treated as mere infrastructure with attached running costs. They are being asked to foot a massive increase in fees that they don't see as justified. The fact remains that a failure to adequately plan financially on the part of the Shire is not the fault of the residents and visitors to Raymond Island.
Has a feasibility study been undertaken with regards this increase? The law of diminishing returns springs to mind here. The Shire needs to put in place a transparent process for determining the level of fees and appropriate regular increases so that people are aware they are coming and can budget for them in advance. Not be hit with such a large increase with little warning.
-----
We are concerned about cost of the Ferry to island because we are pensioners and we travel to the island to meet our friends how live there.
-----
My husband & I own a holiday property at 23 Second Avenue, Raymond Island. Our family have owned property on the island for over 80 years so RI is not only important to us but has a history and emotional attachment.
The proposed increases are unreasonable and unfair. Our children are young and married with a family and don't have the financial resources to pay for the proposed high cost of the ferry.
Why should we pay our rates, support the economy and build a lifestyle and not have the basics like access to our property by our family. it is a sad day when our families stop going to RI.
The cost for the second family car is outrageous. We are discussing the basic use of accessing our property for our holidays. My husband often has to attend work so we need to take 2 cars. maybe, the council should consider charging all families in their municipality for having 2 cars. You are taking away our personal right to have a second car. You have no right and we are disgusted in the revenue raising attempts by the council.
I sincerely hope you see your way clear to abolish any thought of this proposal.
Yours sincerely
-----
Might the Council consider a fee for non residents (i.e.tourists), as walk-on passengers.to supplement the ferry costs, rather than slugging the locals.
We don't have a shop, we don't have a school, we don't have pub or post office, and sometimes we don't even have a bloody ferry.
A tourist would pay $5 or $15 a family to see the flora and fauna that, on the whole, are looked after by rate-paying Islanders.
Surely the residentS of a rate-paying property have a right to free access to their property, or at worst, a nominal charge, as now.
What do they expect us to use? A flying fox???
Get real East Gippsland Council.
