I went online to yoursay.byron.nsw.gov.au/srv to have my say about the looming SRV [Special Rate Variation].
If implemented this (35 per cent) rates increase will flow through to rents and services – so not only will rent / rates rise 35 per cent but also the cost of a mechanic, plumber, pizza etc will rise. Rates are already high and have risen above inflation for years. If Council can’t maintain services with the existing increases, I think that’s mismanagement.
Millions of tourists visit and we’re told they’re good for the economy. If Council can’t figure out how to get the required revenue from them we’d be better off without both.
This SRV will be a massive burden for all – landowners, renters, and visitors. The information Council has provided to justify this is very vague. How the money will be spent is given in percentages – for good things like roads and infrastructure – but never mentions how many dollars bureaucrats are getting etc. There are no specific costings, commitments, or guarantees given.
It’s worth remembering that we fund Council. They are our service provider; we are their client(s). As a contract between provider and client, Council’s vague presentation is way dodgy – more like a child having a tantrum in a lolly shop than a seriously costed request. Council seems to have forgotten the nature of the relationship and taken the attitude that they have us over a barrel and can treat us however they want.
Sadly, as things stand, this may be true. I have little faith that going online to have your say will make any difference. Elected councillors tasked with ‘selling’ this to the community are probably not to blame either. I suspect the rot is deep and needs a huge shake up.
As individual ratepayers we are pretty powerless, but if we unite as a block and refuse to play this rigged game or comply with this junk scheme we might have a chance. I think it’s time.
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. 
