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| Increases in rates and fire levy hit Clarence ratepayers |
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RATES in Clarence have risen by 3.9 per cent this financial year and ratepayers will face an added impost with a steep rise to the fire levy. Mayor Jock Campbell said that actual rate increases experienced by individual properties would vary according to the mix of services received. However, Ald Campbell said Clarence ratepayers would be hit with a further major increase in the state fire levy. “The fire levy will increase by 16.8 per cent making a total increase of 62 per cent over the past three years,” he said. “Council is required to raise this sum on behalf of the State Government and the Tasmanian Fire Service. An increase of this magnitude will further hurt property owners already suffering from high interest rates. “Council has raised concern over the significant increase with Police and Emergency Services Minister Jim Cox and he has agreed to work with Council to clarify the reasons behind the rise.” Clarence City Council has allocated $14.4 million for its capital works program in the 2008/09 financial year, with roads, footpaths and sewerage infrastructure high on the agenda. Ald Campbell said this year’s capital expenditure would enable Council to undertake important and long-awaited sewerage projects for the city. “Council has allocated $2.2 million towards completing the Cambridge sewerage treatment plant as well as $2.5 million to begin sewerage reticulation works at Lauderdale. “These projects have been part of Council’s strategic planning for the city for some time and we are delighted to be able to meet our timeframes set out for these vital initiatives.” In addition, Council will spend $1 million on improving footpaths throughout the City and $1.8 million on road reconstruction and resealing. “The quality of infrastructure is important to our community and has a direct impact on our ability to attract businesses, developments, and residents,” Ald. Campbell said. “Our additional spending on capital works will help to improve amenities for residents and to facilitate further economic growth on the eastern shore.” Other capital spending initiatives include: - $510,000 on Bligh Street reconstruction - $485,000 on the Geilston Bay oval change room facility - $350,000 on public toilets at Little Howrah Beach - $300,000 implementing improvements arising from Council’s road safety audit - $215,000 towards further improvements to the Bellerive Boardwalk “Council is committed to enhancing and increasing its delivery of extensive services to the Clarence community both now and for the long-term,” Ald Campbell said.
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