Adams hits back at ‘hypothetical’ figures

The committee has advertised that if the council was to merge in 2015, as opposed to Cockburn being sub-divided among its neighbouring councils, that residents would experience substantial savings.

However, Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams has labelled the hypothetical rate drop as ‘propaganda’.

Committee member Allison Loo told the Courier that figures provided by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) indicated that the combined income of both councils would fund a rate cut of around $200 per year.

However, the committee was adamant that if Cockburn was to be carved up between neighbouring councils, rates would likely increase because of the rate differential between the cities.

Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams has fought back against claims made by the committee and has described the figures as ‘hypothetical’.

‘This is clearly an attempt to garner support through misinformation,’ Cr Adams said.

‘Hypothetical figures are just that and any decisions on rates will be with the council on the day and that is an absolute fact.

‘This is just another comment to add to the long list of farcical claims being made by the City of Cockburn.

‘Cockburn may consider that, for them, desperate times call for desperate measures, however, the amount of fear and misinformation has certainly crossed the line.’

The committee has defended their claims made in a local newspaper last week, saying that amalgamation costs could be in excess of $100 million under the State Government’s plan.

‘This cost would be a financial burden for the remaining Cockburn and Kwinana ratepayers who would have less capacity to fund,’ Ms Loo said.

‘There is currently a rate differential between Cockburn and Kwinana for comparable residential properties and the State Government guidelines require a common rate to be achieved over five years.

‘The State Government’s plans to carve up Cockburn are likely to increase rates in the residual part of Cockburn that would join Kwinana.’