More than a third of ratepayers across Victoria will be slugged with increases higher than the mandated capped amount – and a financially inept Labor must take the blame.
As local government funding dries up and costs rise, homeowners will be left to pay the price.
The Allan Labor Government continues to fail the local governments and communities they serve by slashing funding and the end result is rates rises.
Taxes have soared, yet local councils are receiving a smaller slice of the overall funding pie.
More of the tax grab must be provided to local governments, which are under pressure like never before to help maintain roads and other essential services.
An upcoming Upper House inquiry will focus on finding a balance for councils amid concerning cost shifting – and it is timely given the extra strain is evident.
The Liberals and Nationals urge local governments to make submissions to the Inquiry, which are now open.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Walsh, said the added obligations passed on by the Allan Labor Government to local councils must be recognised and properly resourced.
“Costs have gone up, and the obligations of local councils have gone up. These rate rises are a by-product of it,” Mr Walsh said.
“How can you increase taxes and ignore the funding needs of local government?
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
