How much more in rates?

What the! “Government is screwing councils over rate capping” (The Advertiser Newspaper 24 January 2024, page 6).

Ex-Mayor Cr Michael Whelan, while being asked to comment about sea level rise changes and the need for clarity to be provided by Federal and State Governments, stated “Government is screwing councils over rate capping”.

Our ex-Mayor of two years and councillor for two terms is indicating to the ratepayers the rate cap set each year by the Victorian Government is below expectations of the councillor.

Has Cr Michael Whelan, in criticising the State Government, spoken without authority and in doing so violated the Bass Coast Shire Council Media Engagement Policy and the Councillor Code of Conduct? Will the new Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve, the Deputy Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead and the newly appointed CEO, Mr Greg Box, discipline Cr Michael Whelan and record the criticism (words reported) of the State Government as a course of procedure or will they all stay silent by doing nothing.

Just remember Cr Michael Whelan, ex-mayor, all at council are paid either by taxes or rates making all at council customers of ratepayers.

Ratepayers are experiencing first-hand this cycle of a high cost of living. The Federal Government acknowledges that fact.

The rate cap for 2024 is 2.75 per cent, that most likely will generate approximately $59m from General Rates out of $76m of Total Rates and Charges for 2024/2025.

So how much more does Cr Michael Whelan expect ratepayers to fork out and what for?

It’s time for change.

Community questions to council meetings is a way of change.

Two questions x 50 words to be sent to council no later than 48 hours prior to a meeting.

Graham Jolly, Cape Woolamai.