Tasmanian Ratepayers Association president Lionel Morrell lambasted candidates at the Cityprom organised public forum on Monday night, saying he was appalled that not one of the 18 of 25 candidates that addressed the audience of about 60, discussed the issue of increasing rates and loss-making, council-run entities.

Cityprom executive officer Vanessa Cahoon said yesterday, because of the high number of candidates they were asked to address just two topics – a vision for the central business district over the next five years, plus how that could be achieved and how they would stimulate economic growth.

However, Mr Morrell said each of the candidates should have been able to discuss the issue of rising rates – which he says, are the highest in the nation. 

Cityprom has also established a Launceston City Council Election Candidate Information Facebook page, where a 250-word statement from each candidate covering the posed questions, can be viewed. 

Ms Cahoon said all statements provided to them would go up over the next few days.

The Tasmanian Ratepayers Association will also hold a council election candidate forum on  Monday, October 13, from 7pm at Heather Hall, 64 Robin Street, off Penquite Road, Newstead.