The proposed Special Rate Variation (SVR) by Hawkesbury City Council has ignited significant opposition among local residents, with a recent telephone poll indicating that approximately 70% of participants are against the rate increase. The final decision is set for November 18, 2024, and community sentiment appears strongly aligned against the proposal, with concerns about affordability and transparency dominating discussions.
According to the Hawkesbury Gazette, the Council has received around 2,500 written submissions reflecting widespread apprehension regarding financial accountability. Residents have expressed their discontent over the Council’s refusal to clarify details surrounding the telephone survey, which allegedly suggested that the average rates paid in the Hawkesbury are around $1,000. Many locals have criticized this figure as misleading, asserting it does not accurately represent the financial realities faced by households, farmers, and small business owners.
“If the Council really believes the average rates bill here is $1,000, they’re living in a different Hawkesbury,” stated Mick Jabour of North Richmond. His comments underscore a growing frustration regarding the disconnect between decision-makers and the community.
The proposed rate variation, if approved, would lead to a notable increase in the Council’s revenue over the coming years. The Council has justified the proposal by citing needs for financial sustainability and infrastructure renewal. Yet, many residents argue that the Council has not shown sufficient accountability in its financial management. Critics contend that ratepayers should not have to bear the burden of what they perceive as mismanagement.
In light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the repercussions of recent floods and bushfires, community leaders have raised concerns about the timing of this proposal. Phil Bamford, representing the Hawkesbury Business Group, emphasized the pressing challenges faced by families and businesses in the area. “People are doing it tough,” he remarked, urging the Council to prioritize restoring trust and improving services rather than imposing a rate increase that lacks community support.
Bamford also highlighted alternative revenue opportunities for the Council, such as optimizing the use of over 400 properties under its management. He mentioned that underutilized car parks could be transformed into residential or commercial buildings, potentially generating substantial income and addressing local accommodation and employment needs.
Should the rate rise be approved at the upcoming Council meeting, the next step will involve the Council preparing a formal submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). This submission must be submitted by February 2, 2025. Following this, IPART plans to conduct its own independent community consultation, ensuring that local voices will have another opportunity to be heard before any final decisions are made.
The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of the Council’s decision on November 18 will significantly impact the residents of Hawkesbury, highlighting the delicate balance between local governance, financial management, and community needs.
