WED 18 DEC 2013
Printed on 100% recycled paper
The Butterfly Effect
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Trades & Services Need help at your place this weekend? p.21-22
Seven years of rises New Year’s at the Cambridge p.16 New role for Souris p.3
2014 NRL season draw All Knights games highlighted
p.12-13
Council seek approval for rate increases averaging 8.35 per cent Melissah Comber
M
aitland City Council will apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal in an effort to raise rates an average of 8.35 per cent each year for
seven years. Councillors voted unanimously at last week’s meeting to apply for the special rate variation in an effort to prevent a forecasted $92 million deficit in seven years, costing the standard residential rate payer an extra $800 on their yearly bill by the end of the variation period. Despite receiving 23 written submissions objecting to the proposal, councillors agreed that dealing with the issue could not be deferred. “We are on the precipice of doing something great for this city,” Councillor Ken Wethered said. “I reckon 100 per cent of people are not happy about it but the majority of people will do it.” Councillor Brian Burke, who moved the motion, said that it was not an issue for the next cohort of councillors to deal with. “Long term financial sustainability must be addressed and it must be addressed now. “We can’t leave it to the next council to resolve.”
Maitland residential rate are on track to skyrocketing next year The rise will maintain some services at the levels they are currently programmed, including cemeteries, libraries, sustainability programs and Maitland Regional Art Gallery, while others will be enhanced, such as roads, footpaths, public amenities and sports fields. “This Council has $880 million worth of assets,” Cr Burke said.
“These assets need to be maintained.” In light of the resolution to apply to IPART for the special rate variation, Council has also revised its Delivery Program 2013-17 to incorporate the variation and extend its capital works program, incorporating the enhanced services. The Delivery Program will be on exhibition until January 24.
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Law firm stays OPEN over Christmas and New Year...
Prominent Newcastle law firm, Turnbull Hill Lawyers, will be open for business as usual over the Christmas and New Year period with the exception of Friday, 27 December. John Teague, an Accredited Specialist and one of the Partners in Turnbull Hill Lawyers, said “Most other law firms close over the Christmas/ New Year period but each year we stay open to serve our existing (and new) clients and referrers. We also gain many new clients who appreciate the fact that we stay open at this time of year!”
Said Teague, “People’s lives don’t stop just because it’s Christmas or New Year. People regularly need legal help over that period. It’s often an ideal time for people to sit back (after the Christmas rush) and have discussions, and make decisions, about aspects of their lives which require the help of a good lawyer – for example, buying or selling a property, buying or selling a business... or even taking advantage of having free time during their holidays to get their Wills and Powers of Attorney in order.”
“We also find,” said Teague, “that people are often in need of Family Law advice... and others need help when they (or someone they know) are in trouble with the Police including when they've been charged with an offence.” “Our firm is large enough to cover the full range of personal and business legal services, and our decision to stay open over the Christmas and New Year period demonstrates to our clients and referrers that we’re serious about providing first class service... and we know they appreciate the
availability of our experienced lawyers,” he said. The offices of Turnbull Hill Lawyers are at 29 Smith Street, Charlestown John Teague – and you Partner can contact Accredited Specialist them on Turnbull Hill Lawyers 4904 8000
or visit www.turnbullhill.com.au