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Wednesday, July 1, 2015
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2015 ATHERTON SHOW GUIDE
INSIDE THIS EDITION!
Action packed weekend of country racing and rodeoing
Thousands flocked to Laura last weekend for the annual Laura Races, Rodeo and Campdraft. Held over three days, the event attracts people from all over Australia. Flying home to win the $11,000 Laura Cup was Baramul Bullet (jockey Braydn Swaffer, trainer Greg Wehlow and owners R and GR and PJ Watson), second place was won by Rattus Conatus and third Azarax. Photo by Peter Roy.
30.24 percent rise by 2017/18 By Justin Fris
THE Tablelands Regional Council’s financial projections indicate net rates and utility charges will rise by 30.24% over the next three years. TRC Mayor Rosa Lee Long handed down the budget on June 18, with the ‘one-off’ de-amalgamation levy of $100 dominating ratepayer discussions around the water cooler. Delving a little deeper however, there are several figures which make for interesting reading; and have a direct co-relation with increased household charges. TRC officers project the following total net rates and charge increases within the next three years: (12.17 per cent in 2015/16, 7.54 per cent in 2016/17 and 10.91 per cent in 2017/18). Once various discounts and remissions are taken into account,
these amended official net rates and charges figures for ratepayers are: (12.64 per cent in 2015/16, 7.01 per cent in 2016/17 and 10.59 per cent in 2017/18) which results in the 30.24 per cent rise over the next three years. Although there was only a ‘general’ rate rise of six percent this year, increases to waste and water charges and the de-amalgamation levy ensure the total rate rise was actually 12.64 per cent overall. If those percentages are then converted into dollars, it roughly equates to each TRC ratepayer paying over $1000 in increases by 2017/18. Both business stakeholders and ratepayers within the TRC jurisdiction have had an opportunity to run their eyes under the budget and offer their opinions. TRC CEO Ian Church said the quotable projections were ‘conservative’; and provides some context on the decisions as follows:
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“The percentage increases quoted, particularly for the general rate, are included in the 10 year forecast and are extremely conservative,” he said. “It is my intention as CEO to drive further efficiency and cost savings through our ‘Sustainability Project’ so that these increases do not have to be levied. “It is expected that there will need to be further increases in utility charges, (water, waste and sewerage) as these are required to be charged on the basis of full cost recovery; and we are not quite there yet. “Council has adopted a ‘Sustainability Strategy’ which will see us continue to review operations with a view to reducing costs as well as finding alternative sources of revenue where possible. CONTINUED PAGE 3
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