RATE RISE BLAME GAME

Blame state for rates hike, says Yarra Ranges mayor

24 May 10 @ 07:30am by Alex Munro

THE Yarra Ranges Council will be forced to slug residents with increased rates after the State Government failed to provide enough cash for projects such as the set-up of Neighbourhood Safer Places.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox said the council would have to increase rates more than they wanted, due to government cost shifting.

But he was unable to give a precise figure while the council continued to debate the hike in rates last week.

The increase will be announced at tonight’s (May 25) council meeting. 

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Comment: How much more can we afford to pay?

Didn't we have a massive increase last year and the year before?

The Shire could look at cutting some projects back or delay their introduction.

COUNCIL BUDGET: Millions to the environment, climate change plan

25 May 10 @ 07:03am by Alex Munro

THE Yarra Ranges Council will plough millions of dollars into projects such as upgrading street lights to energy efficient bulbs in an effort to boost its green credentials.

The raft of budget environmental measures was announced last week, ahead of tonight’s (May 25) expected endorsement of the draft budget.

Spending includes $800,000 to help reduce council’s carbon footprint and $1.5 million for upgrading public lighting.

Mayor Len Cox said council would save about 1400 tonnes of greenhouse gas per annum by upgrading public lighting.

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