According to a statement released by the council the rate rise is intended to keep pace with inflation and support the sustainability of the council’s long term financial plan. 

The waste management service charge will also increase to $46, which is intended to make the service become self funded. 

On average, rates are expected to increase by about $22 at Mole Creek to $34 at Blackstone Heights, including the increase to the waste management charge. 

The statement said council had been forced to consider a number of external factors when considering the budget for the 2016-17 financial year, including TasWater dividends and the low interest environment. 

“We have been very conscious to deliver a reasonable budget despite external factors, particularly with respect to revenues,” Meander Valley mayor Craig Perkins said. 

Total rates income in 2016-17 will equate to $11.293 million, part of the council’s total revenue of $21.588 million. 

This will include $18.85 million in operating expenditure and an underlying operating surplus expected to be $1.803 million.