This week's question: How will you manage and justify council rate increases given current cost of living challenges for ratepayers and renters? (Answers limited to 120 words or less)

John Harvey

Council must assure ratepayers that their rates are going towards basic services and maintaining and improving infrastructure. Survey after survey has shown that these are the things the majority of residents want. They do not want local government to indulge in expensive “extras”. Council must justify every cent it spends and allow genuine community input to budgets no matter how “inconvenient” that may be.

Bernard Gaffney

Our communities rely on council to provide our services, council should not increase rates above the rate cap.

Scott Landells

Council has ageing infrastructure and facilities and the community has ever increasing high expectations when it comes to service delivery. This places council in an unenviable long-term position in striking a balance between timely asset maintenance and renewal and how this cost should be met by ratepayers. Strategies to alleviate upward pressure on rates include council’s economic development strategy, which expired in 2023. Renewing this strategy to give us a 10 year blueprint is key as new revenue streams and investment in long-term profitable ventures require thorough consultation, research, identification and action.

Cost of living pressures being experienced by most within our community are real. Fortunately, council’s hardship policy is there to assist any ratepayer seeking flexible payment arrangements.

Roberta Horne

The majority of those I’ve spoken to are keen to retain the rate cap imposed by the Victorian Government. Community members understand that rates need to be considered in conjunction with property valuations. While rate rises are inevitable a level of certainty is required for effective financial planning to manage the financial burden and avoid potential rate spikes. By continuing to work with a diverse group of ratepayers and business people armed with the right skills, a fair and equitable rate system could be agreed upon to give to the community confidence in the process.

Greg Bourke

It's important to explain why rates need to go up and to be confident that we’re operating effectively and efficiently. Being open and honest with the community is essential. Council’s job is to fund essential services and community projects. We should also invest in efficiency saving where possible to reduce the need for higher rates in the future.

We need to hear from the community about which projects are most important and delay less urgent spending to ease pressure on rates. By comparing our rates and spending with other councils, we can find better ways to manage budgets. To gain support for rate changes, we need to show how the extra funds will benefit the community and address people’s concerns.

Emmerick Teissl

Rates are determined by the State Government, and the council itself is confronted with escalating costs in service provision. My responsibility is to advocate for a balance, acknowledging the cost of living challenges our community endures. The council is obligated to maintain essential services, including childcare, aged care, repairs to infrastructure and waste collection. These fundamental services are crucial to our community's well-being. Adopting a financial sustainability plan is vital, one that commits to streamlining services to ensure financial stability. As a councillor, my focus will be on cost reduction and the efficient delivery of appropriate services. I am committed to lobbying for increased federal and state funding to address the financial burden shifted onto councils.

Diane Shepheard

Since 2015, each year the Minister for Local Government sets the rate cap amount based on the forecast Consumer Price Index, for the 2024 – 2025 financial year it is 2.75 per cent. If the council wants to apply for a higher cap they need to demonstrate community support and a critical need for spending on a service or project. In tough times it is hard to justify even the rate cap rises but council runs a lean budget and works with the community and staff to prioritise spending in the budget engagement. I see no need to raise the rates above the ministerial approved and recommended cap.

Graham Parton

I work on the assumption that any proposal for a rates increase would be accompanied by the justification for the increase. My task would be to assess that justification, taking into account what problem it seeks to address, the impact of both not addressing and addressing that problem, and any alternative ways to address the problem. I would seek to ensure that a rates increase is for a worthwhile cause and that not increasing rates would not have a detrimental effect.

Jane Dowsley

Managing and justifying council rate increases during a cost-of-living crisis requires careful consideration. My approach will focus on:

- Efficiency: I will conduct a thorough review of Council’s budgets and delivery programs, ensuring every project and initiative delivers value-for-money and clear community benefit.

- Value: It is crucial that Council continues to provide high-quality essential services. I will advocate for ‘Smart City’ strategies: utilising digital technologies and data-driven solutions to innovate and reduce the cost of delivering these essential services.

- Transparency: I will champion improved community engagement, to ensure every ratepayer understands how their contributions are being allocated and can see tangible outcomes that justify their rate contributions.

Lisa Turner

I recognise the current financial challenges faced by our community. Any potential rate increase would be considered with utmost care and transparency, prioritising responsible financial management. I would endeavour to encourage council to actively seek efficiencies and alternative revenue streams elsewhere to minimise the impact on ratepayers. If an increase was unavoidable, it would be a thoroughly detailed report as to why and would outline clearly how the funds would be distributed to benefit the community via essential services and infrastructure improvements. I'm committed to open communication and collaboration with ratepayers on this issue at any time.

Sophie Price

Council works within a rate capped environment where the increase is determined by the State Government through the Essential Services Commission. For the eight years that I have been on council there has been no increase above the rate cap, and real consideration given to how any increase will affect our ratepayers. This conversation has been had even more so in recent times as we balance the need to maintain assets and the need to recognise the cost of living challenges for people in our shire.

Our Q&A series with all candidates concludes in next week's edition.

Candidates will answer the following: Why should people vote for you? (Answers are restricted to a maximum 120 words)