With two recent floods, the rising costs of living expenses, and the announcement of the carbon tax, the personal budgets of Warwick residents were already stretched before being hit with another big blow from the Southern Downs Regional Council.
The council’s 2011/12 budget was adopted last week, resulting in another 9.6 per cent overall rate rise for the second consecutive year, but that’s not the only decision that will impact on our purses and wallets, according to the Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry president David Littleproud.
Mr Littleproud said the council’s decision to equalise the rate in the dollar for both Stanthorpe and Warwick businesses this financial year would mean a significant increase in rates for Rose City businesses, which in turn would be passed on to residents.
He said some Warwick businesses would see a rise of $5000 or more in their general rates, which was a whopping 60 per cent increase.
“That doesn’t include the waste and sewerage charges,” Mr Littleproud said.
Although he could under-stand the council’s argument of having Stanthorpe and Warwick businesses on the same rate, he thought the council should have done it gradually to lessen the impact on businesses, and therefore residents, in the Rose City.
“People are hurting. Businesses are hurting. Times are tough.
“The community is not happy with this; the council should look at their efficiencies and then come back to the community.
“I think the community as a whole would respect this council if they went back to the table,” Mr Littleproud said.
He felt the council had not been open and transparent with their budget deliberations.
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Story: Rebecca Brown
