Rate rise more than 10%

Roger Dickson

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

RATEPAYERS can expect to pay more than 10 per cent extra on their next Cairns Regional Council rates and fees bill.

While general rates rose about 7 per cent when Mayor Val Schier handed down the city's budget for 2008/09 today, the figure does not include increases in fees for sewage, garbage, water and the Cleaner Seas levy.

Councillor Robert Pyne, who voted against the budget, said most people would be paying a double-digit increase when those service charges were taken into account.

Cr Paul Gregory said that after the general rate rise, most bills would hit about 10 per cent after charges, but some rural property owners would face a hike of 25 per cent on rates alone.

Big-ticket spending highlighted in the budget include $11.2 million for land for sporting facilities at Edmonton, almost $10 million to build a waste-water plant at Bramston Beach and about $4 million for road upgrades.

Other projects include $500,000 for cycle ways, $1 million to address coastal erosion and $810,000 toward the cost of running the Cairns Regional Gallery.

<strong>Rise in costs: </strong>The Cairns Regional Council budget has been handed down.

Rise in costs: The Cairns Regional Council budget has been handed down.

<strong>Challenge:</strong> Newly elected Cairns Regional Council Mayor Val Schier handed down her first Budget yesterday which she said contained challenges following amalgamation.

Budget delivers 15pc slug

THE typical ratepayer will be slugged about 15 per cent more for Cairns Regional Council rates and fees. more

Rise less than cost of loaf a week: Schier

AFTER months of hard work, the first Cairns Regional Council Budget was handed down by Mayor Val Schier yesterday. more

<strong>Former mayors:</strong> Kevin Byrne (left), Ron Davies and Tom Pyne on talkback radio yesterday.

Three wise men air views

THEY could almost have been the cast of Grumpy Old Men, a group of long-term former Cairns mayors gathered together yesterday to discuss the latest council Budget. more

<strong>Disbelief:</strong> Francis McCarthy, Amanda Calway and Lucien McCarthy cannot drive their car and lost their possessions in a ramraid.

Ramraid victims speak out

THE struggling teenage parents of a new baby have been left without a car, pram or baby capsule after thieves stole their vehicle to ramraid an appliance shop. more

<strong>Much missed:</strong> Bob Mutton.

Larrikin veteran farewelled

FORMER Changi prisoner-of-war Bob Mutton always loved a good joke. more

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