RATE HIKES IMMINENT

The Monash Ratepayers Association has been advised that the State Government is raking in more property tax than all Victorian local governments combined. Property taxes or rates have always been the main revenue stream for Councils up until the State Government decided to increase its share of the tax pie.

The 2004-2005 State Budget shows that stamp duty on land transfers totaled $2.235 billion, while land tax totaled $916 million, amounting to more than $3 billion in revenue for the State Government, compared to only $2.2 billion in total rate revenue for councils across Victoria.

Councils, including Monash, are presently setting their budgets for 2005-2006 and our information is that they need to factor in at least a two per cent increase, as a result of State Government cost shifting of responsibilities to them.

Councils cannot afford to take on more financial responsibilities without having to substantially increase rates, especially since the State Government has now taken over their main income source.

With inflation running at 2.5 per cent, ratepayers will be faced with rate hikes of at least five per cent, even before councils start factoring in their own priorities.

The State Government must take financial responsibility for its share of community initiatives and stop piling the burden on councils with further cost shifting, forcing them to increase their rates.

Say NO to more rate hikes! Raise your voice in protest now.

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