Charlotte Varcoe
RATE distribution between residents and primary producers has remained a concern from those giving the Kingston District Council feedback.
Elected members received feedback on its 2024-2025 Annual Draft and Business Plan with many writing expressing disappointment in the difference between residential rates and primary producer rates and endorsed the budget at its recent meeting.
Clare Shalders questioned when there would be a “firm commitment” to the community wastewater management system for the town which she stated was a “real priority”.
She said it was not sustainable to have holding tanks which needed to be emptied regularly and it had prevented future builds.
Ms Shalders also asked for an accessible boat ramp alongside many others.
Jim Paltridge queried the level of rural rating valuations and requested more information while Phillipa Scott was one of many who requested further works on Cooke Street.
Ms Scott said it was often used as a shortcut and said those living in the area pay high rates with little or no services in the area.
Bronte and Lauren Casanova also wrote in a submission about Cooke Street, labelling it a popular street and requested the remainder to be bitumen.
Philip Duguid congratulated council on its community engagement and was pleased to have been given the opportunity to review the annual business plan.
Mr Duguid said he was supportive of the general strategy and direction proposed including further sensitive, sustainable residential development.
Other feedback given to council included questions around no cuts to the budget, rate capping reduced from 12 per cent to 10 per cent and acknowledgement of slow growth in the area.
Anthony McInness noted there was “too much money” being taken from primary production businesses who “were already feeling the pain” of poor commodity prices and disastrous seasonal conditions.
“There needs to be less money taken from the rural areas to subsidise spending in the town,” Mr McInnes said.
“During times of community hardship council needs to look at ways of being more efficient with its spending, not just look for ways to make the community pay for a wish list.”
A resident – named Kylie – said she was concerned about the rate increase with her family struggling with the cost of living.
Elected members officially endorsed the budget during the June meeting.
