Mayor Mick Wainwright, who was in favour of a 3.25 per cent increase over the 2.95 per cent rise put forward by Cr Kevin Bailey, said rates formed an important part of the City’s annual budget.
“This includes the building and maintenance of infrastructure, such as libraries and sporting facilities in our rapidly growing suburbs while also looking after established suburbs through projects such as road upgrades and refurbishing existing facilities,” he said.
Cr Wainwright said the council had considered the current economic environment and that while rates would increase, it would be kept to a moderate hike.
“The City will continue to focus on exploring ways to diversify its income streams but it still relies on rates to deliver key facilities, services and projects,” he said.
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“Setting different rates for each category – known as differential rating – is a balance of ensuring there is enough income to deliver the high calibre of services and projects our communities have come to expect, while making sure we are not putting undue pressure on our ratepayers.
“With this in mind, we are looking at a modest rate increase of 3.25 per cent while not increasing the minimum rates for the second year.”