No vote on rates rise

Friday, July 11, 2008

AT least one Cairns counillor is set to vote against the massive rate hikes flagged by the city's chief executive officer earlier this week.

Cr Rob Pyne yesterday told The Cairns Post he could not in good conscience vote for the rise announced by CEO Noel Briggs, which amounts to more than 11 per cent including water fees. "Spending time in my community has taught me petrol prices, housing affordability and interest rates are hurting people," Cr Pyne said.

Cr Pyne at yesterday's Planning Committee meeting put forward a motion to examine selling idle council-owned land.

He said with the council buying land at Edmonton for $11 million for a much-needed sporting facility, they should also consider the sale of surplus property.

"There is land next to council chambers which is prime commercial land which has grass growing on it," Cr Pyne said.

"But the motion I put council to examine selling portions of land surplus to councils need failed."

But Cr Pyne did gain the vote of Cr Di Forsyth, who said there was a need to identify if there was any possibility of finding other sources of funding to help keep rates down.

<strong>Lone voice:</strong> Rob Pyne will vote against the council's proposed 11 per cent rates rises.

Lone voice: Rob Pyne will vote against the council's proposed 11 per cent rates rises.

<strong>Close call:</strong> Ambulance officer Kevin Dowling, paramedic Glenn Timmins and mum Jarna McIntosh watch over Blake Sheen recovering from meningococcal disease.

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<strong>Low act:</strong> Commodore David Kelly is concerned Cairns Yacht Club memorabilia, including pictures and trophies, have gone missing.

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IN what is being described as a "low act" irreplaceable pictures and trophies are being swiped from the Cairns Yacht Club ahead of its impending demolition. more

<strong>Worked at a youth hostel:</strong> Kenneth Roy Lang outside court yesterday.

Crim had keys to kids' rooms

CONVICTED sex offender Kenneth Roy Lang was working at a Port Douglas youth hostel and had keys to rooms where children stayed, it emerged yesterday. more

<strong>Angry:</strong> John Willerton is bewildered as to how approval was given to develop a rainforest section next to his property.

Feud over rainforest clearing

A FEUD has erupted between neighbours in a jointly owned enclave at Myola as bulldozers rolled in to clear an area claimed to be a cassowary sanctuary. more

<strong>Era ending:</strong> Patrons enjoyed last drinks at the Atherton RSL club yesterday.

Club's debts force closure

LAST drinks were called yesterday at the Atherton RSL Club as mounting debt forced the club to close after a proud 55-year history. more

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