Low Head and Pipe Clay Bay residents have been receiving leaflets detailing Cr Archer and Cr Doug Burt’s “desire for higher rates on some residential properties and lower rates for industries”.

Cr Archer said the leaflets had prompted concerned residents to call council.

“It’s creating confusion among sections of the community,” she said.

“I’ve had to reassure people it is not true.”

Property rates for Bellingham, Weymouth, Lulworth, Lefroy and Beechford residents have increased under the council’s 2018-19 budget by 6.04 per cent.

Hillwood, Mt Direction, Pipers Brook and Pipers River rates have increased 4.78 per cent and George Town and Low Head 2.44 per cent. 

Former George Town councillor Graeme Neilsen admitted to distributing the material at Wednesday’s council meeting, but said it was being done on someone else’s behalf.

The information in the flyers claims to be sourced from the George Town Council’s June meeting.

While Mr Neilsen was not in attendance, he said he listened to the audio and found the statements in the audio to be “complete and accurate”.

Responding to Mr Neilsen, Cr Archer said her previous comments about rates had been taken out of context to make the flyers.

“I did not say that I have a desire to raise rates in any of those areas,” she said.

“During my time on council, I have repeatedly said I do not believe the rates model that George Town operates under is equitable.

“If council did not operate averaged area rating, the evidence demonstrates that a high proportion of residential ratepayers in George Town would pay less than what they currently do.”

Cr Archer also questioned whether the flyers were electoral material, given they were “not authorised and anonymous”. Mr Neilsen said he had made the necessary checks with the relevant authorities before delivering the material.