It was good to see our (Campaspe Shire) councillors opposing the proposed increase in the emergency services levy; however, after that, they seem to have lost the plot.
The introduction of a waste levy across all properties in the shire by a five to four vote, with four of the five living in the Echuca area, looks usual.
Cr (Zoe) Cook stated that the levy was based on professional advice. It would be good to know who gave the advice and what it was.
Cr Cook also stated that it would benefit all residents. I do not believe this, as we have people dumping furniture, offal and car parts on our back roads, which we have to clean up.
The waste levy was only the start of the council’s rash decisions. There was a 37 per cent increase in the municipal charge.
Probably the most frightening statement was that staff expenditure would increase from $40.06 million to $47.24 million — a 17 per cent increase.
Councillors have made statements about how much better services we will have and how much better off we will be; the only effect I can see is a depletion of my bank account.
It should be remembered that those decisions are being made by a council that is currently spending $500,000 on dog parks in Tongala and Kyabram — apparently dogs are more important than people.
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