The Surf Coast Shire Council has just failed in its bid to levy a 'Special Rate' in Aireys Inlet Precint 2 for unwanted road seal, pathways and drainage.
For many this was a cost of $3,000, $6,000, $10,000 and even $40,000+ for some households.
Overwhemlng community opposition (188 written objections) has stopped this scheme in its tracks.
Council has wasted $43,000 on "consultation" with a 'citizen's jury' and unknown further funds propelling this scheme since 2008, all the while ignoring the voice of its own community. Money that would have been better spent on routine works.
Why are Councils so deaf to their rate-payers? How can they afford to expend $15 million on new council offices in a spend of $40 million in Torquay-centric headquarters, and say there are simply no rate-payers funds left for general maintenance works in Aireys Inlet?
Council then tries to force rate-payers to pay again for everything from basic road works to unnecessary and unwanted road-seal and pathways.
What has become of Council's fundamental advocacy role? This disconnection from constituents provides a stark contrast to connected, creative communities like Aireys Inlet.
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