IN THE June 19 BCSC meeting CEO Box reminded ratepayers that a petition requesting a Special Charge Scheme anywhere in Bass Coast Shire only initiates a scheme; a simple declaration of interest. Many ratepayers sign out of interest, with the intent of discovering aspects of the proposal, cost, changes to infrastructure etc. They don’t consider a petition signature as a binding commitment.
Whilst CEO Box’s statement is true, there is another concerning truth underlying signing such a petition. That being that whilst a petition only initiates a project, ultimately your signature can lead to that project being declared without any further involvement by yourself, or any other ratepayer. Once initiated by petition, it’s possible for the process to continue through to declaration, without any further ratepayer input at all.
Once council announces its “intent to declare a special charge scheme”, it is not necessary for 50 plus per cent of ratepayers to vote “Yes” for the project to proceed. At this point only 50 per cent plus one “No” votes from ratepayers can definitely prevent the scheme from going ahead. Any non-votes by ratepayers become council votes.
The classic example is the Pioneer Bay special charge scheme in 2018. Twenty-seven ratepayers voted “No”, and zero ratepayers voted “Yes”. The absence of 50 per cent plus one “No” votes gave BCSC complete control and the scheme proceeded.
The Government Act 1989 enabling Special Charge Schemes seems undemocratic. How in a democracy can a minority of residents force a substantial financial burden on others? Why does the Act not require 50 plus per cent of residents to vote in favour of a scheme for it to go ahead?
The Say No group has has no issue with individual schemes (e.g. The Esplanade) where majority ratepayer support of 50 per cent plus one is demonstrable.
However, we are deeply concerned that the existing process is seriously flawed and allows schemes to proceed which fail to meet this standard.
If you sign a petition pay close attention to council proceedings. Ensure you lodge your vote.
Speak to your neighbors so they are aware of the above facts.
Be vigilant and be aware; signing a petition might get you exactly what you don’t want.
Ross Bencraft, Surf Beach