Council too clever by half

By Paul Dunlop
THE slashing of Cardinia’s municipal charge has been claimed to deliver on an election pledge.
Not quite, say ratepayers.
Councillors at the release of the 200607 shire budget said the halving of the controversial $100 charge fulfilled a promise made during the election campaign.
But Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor said the basis on which candidates in the election were endorsed by the CRRA was that they would remove the charge, not reduce it.
Mrs O’Connor said the apparent shift in priority was disappointing.
But despite fierce criticism of the previous council when it introduced the charge, the CRRA is unlikely to pursue the current administration for keeping it — at least for now.
“I don’t think half is bad for a start. I think the ongoing intent is that next year it will be gone altogether,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Election candidate — and CRRA executive member — Cheryl BillingSmith said she was also disappointed the charge had not completely disappeared but realistic enough to expect it was unlikely to suddenly be cut.
“I think it’s better than nothing,” she said.
Mayor Bill Ronald said at the budget release that the reduction of the charge to $50, reducing debt and keeping rates at realistic levels delivered on election promises.
Cr Ronald acknowledged the preelection promise was to remove the charge altogether but emphasised no timeframe was made.
“Council sat down and evaluated the situation and it was felt to be not appropriate to eliminate the charge completely this year.
“Having said that, 50 per cent is a significant cut and we will look at it again next year.”
Cr Ed Chatwin also acknowledged the preelection promise was to remove the charge altogether but said council had had to compromise.
The $50 charge, on all properties in the shire, will raise at least $1.25 million during the new financial year.
Cr Ronald said the budget was a very responsible one and showed a council willing to make decisions that would stand the test of time rather than take short cuts in the interests of shortterm popularity.
“I think we have kept faith with the community,” Cr Ronald said.