Mayor, Cr Marianne Pelz, said Council was pleased that the rate increase is in line with the new ‘Fair Go’ rates system 2.5 per cent cap and did not elect to apply to the Essential Services Commission for a variation.
“We have further reviewed the way services are delivered and identified operational savings and efficiencies that have enabled us to keep the rates increase within the 2.5 per cent cap, but still maintain service levels to our communities. This is always challenging due to the geographic size of our municipality and the distinct needs of our communities,” Cr Pelz said.
“East Gippsland is equivalent to 10 per cent of the state of Victoria, with around 80 per cent of our land being unrateable. “As Councillors, it is our job to listen to community sentiment and understand their priorities. We have consistently heard that the community values Council’s services, and that Council needs to be financially responsible and keep rates as low as possible. Significant financial impacts on Council include the ongoing indexation freeze of the Financial Assistance Grants and Victorian Government obligations regarding waste services,” Cr Pelz said. “I’m particularly pleased that we have also been able to continue a rebate for eligible pensioners on top of the Victorian Government’s pensioner rebate scheme, and we have also maintained the Farm Rate Differential at 90 per cent of the general rate.”
Cr Pelz said the Budget was also driven by the priorities in the revised Council Plan. “The Council Plan 2013-2017 details steps for Council to take towards achieving its vision and objectives, while continuing to provide the services the community needs. This year is an opportunity for me to reflect on Council’s performance over the past four years, this being the last year of the current Council’s term."
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(The new schedule of fees for the Raymond Island Ferry are on p.120 of the Budget)
