There is a potential 30 per cent or more rate rise in the wind for Byron Shire ratepayers by 2030. What’s needed is clear and concise budget documentation, accessible to your average ratepayer. It would seem the least Byron Shire Council (BSC) could provide in accordance with commitments to inform the community.

Ballina Shire Councillors are seeking to increase local rates by 26.25 per cent over the next four years. With about $130 million in the bank and an ever increasing commercial property portfolio there is no justification for yet another rate rise.

Tweed Council is seeking to apply for a 2.35 per cent rise in general rates in addition to the pegged rate rise already approved for all NSW local governments.

Lismore City Council has acknowledged that with the current tight financial climate they will be looking to the community to determine which services they value and which services they are willing to have cut.

Byron rates are not 'among the highest in the state', councillors are not being 'blindly led' by staff and the shire could be forcibly amalgamated unless a Special Rate Variation is approved, says the council's general manager.

Up for discussion and voting by the new crop of Byron Shire councillors at their first official meeting this Thursday will be a proposal by staff to increase rates with a special variation of 12.5 per cent over four years.

Public meetings will be held across Ballina shire in coming days as the council attempts to sell its proposal to increase rates to improve its pools.

Ballina shire council will embark on a major consultation with residents around its plan to raise rates by 5.5 per cent for 2015/16 and 2016/17. The aim is raise $4 million in loans for the redevelopment of the Alstonville and Ballina swimming pools.