No vote on rates rise
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.
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Lone voice: Rob Pyne will vote against the council's proposed 11 per cent rates rises.
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