THERE is a renewed push by a group of City of Whittlesea residents to consider freezing rates, and while council did not commit to looking into the cap at its council meeting last Tuesday, it has noted the petition at hand.
The petition was submitted by 17 residents from the City of Whittlesea, leading to discussion about whether to note the petition, which was eventually agreed unanimously.
In the petition, the residents requested that council consider an idea of the level of rate levied against residents be based on the cost of services, as well as a cap of $1400 regardless of the value of their property.
Councillor Aidan McLindon moved the officers’ recommendation, seconded by Cr Michael Labrador.
Cr McLindon had previously looked to freeze rates in council in December 2024 through a notice of motion when he had served as Mayor, but the motion was narrowly defeated, six votes to five.
With a further 15 months of assessment since, Cr McLindon said it was worthwhile continuing to investigate the idea on behalf of the residents.
“I think any person who has the intent of saving money or having ideas to throw out there I think is welcomed,” he said.
“I thank those residents for signing that petition, it keeps us on our toes, gives us good ideas we can tick or flick and put it into the mix.
“Whether or not that’s realistically achievable is another question, but I think it’s incumbent on us to be able to make sure we get all these ideas, put them on the table.
“It’s no secret I have pushed for a rates freeze for two years. I think we welcome this idea and we continue to welcome ideas with the community and take on board their concerns that we can make sure, especially in the budget and cost-of-living crisis in Victoria and Australia, take these great ideas into account.”
Cr Labrador said it was something to consider, despite disagreeing with the $1400 amount the 17 residents asked to be capped.
“Just to echo what Cr McLindon was saying, in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s important for us to really look at what we’re charging our residents,” he said.
Though I might disagree with the amount, I agree with the sentiment that it’s important to save, important to think about where we’re spending our money, and I appreciate the residents that signed and submitted our petition.”
