The recommendation will be debated by Gloucester Shire councillors when they meet in Stratford today.

Council had been considering a cumulative increase that would have seen rates rise by as much as 128 per cent over five 

years, but general manager Danny Green conceded such an increase had not received sufficient community support.

“Councillors have considered the community feedback from the 41 presentations made throughout the shire since June last year,” he said. 

“These presentations aimed to show the deteriorating condition of our roads and bridges and detailed the funding required to address this. 

“The optimum solution to achieve a good overall average condition is for a 15.5 per cent increase above the CPI (Consumer Price Index) cumulative for five years.

“However it was clear that, although the community understood the need for a 

significant rate increase, this amount was just too high.”

Council will instead debate a 10.5 per cent increase above CPI cumulative for three years and commencing on July 1 next year.

“This has the effect of a 44 per cent increase in total rates over the three years with the allocation between the rating categories of farmland, residential and business rates still to be determined,” Mr Green said.

Ratepayers reacted angrily to the proposal, inundating the Advocate’s Facebook page with comments. 

“So the tip will become free again. The pool will open for longer hours. All council staff wages (not depot employed) will be frozen from a pay rise for the next three years. Company vehicle use will be restricted to to and from work only or removed altogether. And any infrastructure and roads that are not maintained or bettered by 44 per cent will result in dismissal of councillors. Sounds fair,” Tyson Walker posted.

Jodie House commented “between this, the dump, electricity and water price increases we might move into our tent at the caravan park”.

Di Mansfield posted farmers would be among the hardest hit.

“Remember that about 50 per cent of this shire is owned by farmers who struggle to survive in this climate at present - and they pay rates on large areas of land - give us a break,” she commented.

The general manager said the 44 per cent rise would still not be sufficient to meet council’s significant backlog of works, raising about $14 million in additional income over the three years. Council has stated the annual cost to maintain the shire’s existing assets at an average condition would be $8.5 million - or double what council currently spends.

“The funding necessary to bring bridges, roads, signage, kerb and gutter to a good overall average condition over the next 10 years is $74 million, reducing to $40.6 million when Regional Roads (roads that receive State government funding) are excluded,” Mr Green said.

“A works program has been developed around the 10.5 per cent increase which naturally will result in less renewals and maintenance and a worsening condition over time. 

“Council as a responsible asset manager will be closely monitoring the situation and attending to roads on a hierarchical, priority basis”.

Council is continuing to progress internal efficiencies and pursuing government support. 

“The review of service units has highlighted that funding constraints will impact on our ability to meet expectations in providing services and maintaining facilities,” Mr Green said.