Glamorgan Spring Bay Council approve significant rate changes for council

A significant change to residents, the council voted to move away from the AAR to AAV, which is the value system used by the majority of councils, which will result in a change in rates going forward.

In figures provided to council, 1404 properties would see a decrease in rates, 1088 properties would see a 0-$200 increase and 1580 would see a $200+ increase in their rates under the new system.

The AAV values properties in line with their rental valuation while the AAR offered a flatter, general rate approach.

The issue caused a stir among the councillors with a tight vote just getting the motion over the line.

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The main criticism, which was voiced by councillor Michael Symons and deputy mayor Jenny Woods, was the need for community consultation on the matter.

"I think that a change of this magnitude should have had proper and thorough process put in place before any decision was made," Cr Symons said.

"I think that process should have allowed for the community to be consulted."

"There is a big question for me with regards to doing this without community consultation," Cr Woods said.

In 2013, when the council changed their rates system, community consultation was undertaken prior to the change.

Speaking in favour of the motion, Cr Keith Breheny said the new rates system was a fairer approach to rates.

"The AAV, I believe, is a more equitable and fairer system, with this system every individual property is assessed upon its merits," he said.

"I am convinced that the existing AAR is a less fair, in fact unfair system, that disadvantages lower value property owners."

The change is part of the council's aim to grow their rate revenue by 15 per cent, which incorporates residential, commercial, industrial rates and levies among other factors.

Rate rises have been common across most Northern Tasmanian council areas in the past decade, including Glamorgan.

Part of that plan involves attempting to service the council's debt.

"Both the previous and existing minister for local government and the previous and existing director of local government department have made it crystal clear to the current council that we either get, what is essentially a trainwreck back on track," Cr Breheny said.

"Or [Glamorgan Spring Bay Council] goes into administration ... by far the greatest motivation for me is the need to service our debt," he said.

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