MAYOR Val Schier has fended off text-message criticism of rate rises by saying her predecessor would have done the same.

Rate rises were among a slew of issues that stoked the ire of text message writers to The Cairns Post after Cr Schier's first 100 days in office.

Yesterday, after the messages were read to her, Cr Schier said: "If Kevin Byrne had been mayor I have no doubt he would've been bringing down a similar Budget."

The rises were both less severe than predicted and unavoidable, in an economic climate where steel, construction and fuel costs had all gone up, pushing estimates for infrastructure projects through the roof.

"The estimate for our sewage plant was $90 million and it's blown out to $188 million," Cr Schier said.

"We can't say we can't do that upgrade," she said.

"I'm really sorry if people think everything can go up, but somehow rates can stay the same."

Rates rises in most cases would not reach predicted highs of 11 per cent, she said.

But she admitted there would be more sobering news in Wednesday week's Budget.

"We will be cutting back some services and some projects won't go ahead," Cr Schier said. "All of those details will be made available on the 23rd."

Cr Schier said she respected the community's right to complain by text message.

But she said: "It's not a popularity quest.

"If I took notice of polls in The Cairns Post - that's not how I guide my life. I perform my job on the basis of values and common sense."

"I'd really like the discussion to be about policy and issues rather than personal attacks."

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