Seventeen residents have signed a petition calling on Whittlesea council to consider capping rates at $1400.
The petition was noted by council during its 17 February meeting. It did not commit to considering the cap.
The petition asks council to consider that the level of council rates levied against residents be based on the cost of services provided by council and that rates be capped at $1400 irrespective of property value.
Whittlesea ratepayers were faced with an average rate rise of 3 per cent this financial year, in keeping with the state government cap on rates.
Councillor Aidan McLindon, who previously urged council to freeze rates, thanked residents for putting the petition forward.
“I think any person who has the intent of saving money or having ideas to throw our there is welcomed … [it] keeps us on our toes and gives us good ideas we can tick or flick and put into the mix,” he said.
“Whether or not that is realistically achievable is another question but I think it is incumbent on us to be able to make sure that we have got all these ideas, put them on the table.
“It is no secret that I have pushed for a rates freeze for two years.
“I think we welcome this idea and we continue to welcome ideas from the community and take on board their concerns, especially into the budget with a cost-of-living crisis.”
Cr Michael Labrador said he felt it was important for council to consider how much it is charging residents.
“Though I might disagree with the amount, I agree with the sentiment that it is important to save, important to think about where we are spending our money, and I appreciate the residents that signed and submitted the petition,” he said.
