MEDIA RELEASE
For release: 2 July 2024
COUNCIL RATE RISE FUNDING NEW SERVICES
At a Special Meeting of Council on 1 July, Latrobe Council approved a 5.9 per cent general rate increase to fund the ongoing costs associated with the significant infrastructure investments totalling over $22 million completed in the past financial year and benefitting the community.
Key projects include the $15.5 million Latrobe Flood Mitigation Project that alone requires funding equivalent to 4.8% in rates revenue into the future; the Banksia Facilities Centre Redevelopment investment at $5.5 million and Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trail Suspension Bridge costing $0.8 million. These projects collectively necessitated a 2.9% increase in general rate revenue for future funding.
“These projects are crucial for community protection and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle. However, they come with significant upfront costs and require ongoing resources for operation and maintenance. While we’ve managed to absorb some costs through the community’s growth, the rate increase is essential for our sustainable financial footing”, said Mayor Peter Freshney of Latrobe Council.
Historically, the average rates per rateable property for the Latrobe Council area have been the second lowest in Tasmania.
This general rate increase equates to an extra $1.04 per week for the average residential ratepayer.
“In 2024, the Valuer General updated property assessed annual values, which we used to determine 2024/25 rates. Some property classes, especially Primary Production, saw an average value increase of 35 per cent, added Mayor Freshney.
The financial year 2024/25 Budget delivers funding for the ongoing services above and also:
- Responds to the increasing cost of managing waste on behalf of the community
- Funds the introduction of the new Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside service
- Strategic planning for Latrobe and Port Sorell
- Hawley Esplanade Footpath
- Completion of the $1.8 million Latrobe Recreation Facilities Redevelopment
- Commence the prioritised staged reconstruction of Moriarty Road between Gilbert Street and the Bass Highway
- Engagement on a Community Satisfaction Survey
- Development of a Waste Reduction Strategy
- Review of the Economic Development Strategy
Mayor Freshney highlighted the separation of waste charges from the general rate for transparency, noting the new Tasmanian waste Landfill Levy of approximately $44 per tonne for FY 2024/25. The North West’s FOGO initiative aims to reduce landfill costs by converting organic waste into mulch and other value-added services.
"As councillors, we recognise the rate increase may cause financial hardship, particularly for vulnerable community members, and understand the competitive demands on daily living costs,” said Mayor Freshney. “Council’s Financial Hardship Assistance Policy offers various relief options, including flexible payments arrangements, payment deferrals and remissions. Additionally, the 'Pensioner Rates Remission' allows enables low-income cardholders to receive a discount of up to a third of their rates, funded by the State Government.
Community members having trouble paying their rates or fees are encouraged to contact the Council at their earliest opportunity.
ENDS