Cronulla MP Malcolm Kerr said today that residents would be paying an extra 30% increase in council rates over the five year lifespan of the proposed infrastructure levy proposed by Sutherland Shire Council. 

This levy of 6% would be in addition to the State Government’s rate pegging limit of 3.5% making the actual increase a total of 9.5% per annum.  This would be an unfair burden on ratepayers.

Mayor Lorraine Kelly who previously stood against increased council rates but now seems to have changed her mind said that the levy would upgrade and replace the Shire’s ageing infrastructure and if approved would fund public toilet replacements, an upgrade of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre and playing fields.

“A normal person might find it reasonable to assume that the rates they pay already cover the costs of maintenance and replacement of basic services’ Mr Kerr said.

“Council also receives generous grants from the Federal and State Governments to maintain roads, playgrounds and other public infrastructure” Mr Kerr said

“Hard working families have already been hit hard with State Government increases of up to 20% in electricity and water charges with more to come in 2010 and the proposed levy is another burden for pensioners and self funded retirees already stretched to the limit”

“It is outrageous that at a time when families are busy planning and participating in their Christmas and holiday activities that they should be requested to make a submission to Council”

“However, it is important that residents look out for Council’s brochure (another hefty expense) in their overstuffed Christmas letterboxes and make their views known if they don’t want to be paying the levy for the next five years” Mr Kerr concluded.