The Cairns Post

10 per cent rate rise fears

Christopher O'Leary

06May08

RATEPAYERS could pay up to 10 per cent more when Alice Springs rates are due this year.

That is the tip from members of the Alice Springs Town Council, who confirmed the rise was likely.

Alderman Melanie van Haaren said the rise would be between 5 and 10 per cent and blamed the current economic climate.

She said: ``There's a still a question over rate rises, but there may be at least a 3 to 4 per cent minimum because of consumer price index increases.

``There could be some rise, but it would be rationalised on responsibilities to meet certain needs.''

Those needs, Ald van Haaren said, are the council's aim to improve local infrastructure such as footpaths and verges.

Alderman Samih Habib agreed with the rate prediction, but said nothing was set in stone.

He said: ``It will be something like that. We're still arguing about it.''

Most of the council however are staying mute until the budget is on public display at the end of May.

Alderman Jane Clark said it was ``entirely inappropriate'' to be talking publicly on the budget.

Mayor Damien Ryan refused to comment on rate rises.

New alderman Liz Martin said there was nothing to comment on yet, but that the council needed to increase its tourism budget to support the local industry.

She said: ``We certainly do not want it to be at the expense of social justice causes and we are looking at various ways of increasing those budgets as well.''

In recent budget briefings Ald van Haaren said the council was united in improving infrastructure.

Last year rates were increased by 10 per cent, while in 2006 they rose by 7 per cent.