In an article that the Echo published in 2016 (www.echo.net.au/byron-mayor-defends-rate-rise-plan/) the mayor defended Byron Council’s rate-rise plan.
Why are the roads in worse shape now after a 60 per cent (compounded) rates increase was granted per household?
Why is there no accountability by Council? Where was the additional money spent?
Should the increase be refunded as ratepayers have paid, but had no benefit from the increase? Roads are full of potholes and drains are blocked.
Where have the additional funds from paid parking in Byron Bay gone? This revenue was promised as additional funding for roads.
Byron Council now states that funding is not coming from the state and that’s why our roads are not being maintained. The truth is Council has not used the funds raised and allocated the funds as committed.
There is no accountability. Council promises but doesn’t deliver.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
