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.

Tom Pyne, Kevin Byrne and Ron Davis hooked up on John McKenzies' Easy Listening talk back radio show to reminisce and give their opinions.

The trio also spoke to The Cairns Post about current Mayor Val Schier and the increase in rates and charges Cairns Regional Council has brought down.

Ron Davis said it was a bad decision to take away the early payment discount because it would hurt the council's ability to quickly get the money and invest it.

He said the taking away of the free water allocation for greening gardens was a rate rise by stealth and that when all charges were added up, the householder would be slugged with a 15 per cent hike in rates and charges.

"It is a worry and I hope the new and young, inexperienced council will listen to those who struggle to meet the rate assessment," Mr Davis said.

Mr Pyne said he hoped that Cr Schier would soon get her head around "all the issues" and find ways, such as selling council land, to ease the burden on ratepayers.

"When rates have to go up more than the CPI, it is time to dispose of some assets," he said.

Kevin Byrne, the man Cr Schier deposed, was more forthright.

"I don't want to be seen as a whinger or complainer but people in this city could have a just reason to feel cheated by this council," he said.

"Particularly by the mayor who paraded around claiming there would be no increase in rates on her watch."

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