Ratepayers at Robe will have an average rate increase of 7.7 per cent, which mayor Lisa Ruffell believes is “fair and reasonable in the current climate”.

Within that “average” residential property owners will pay around 2.9 per cent more.

At the top end of the rate rise sits primary producers who are likely to see their rates soar by 11.95 per cent, or more.

Commercial property owners will see a rate reduction of around 3.41 per cent.

Additionally, waste management services and catchment water management charges at Robe will both increase by 7.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Landscape levy slapped on property owners by the region’s SA Landscape Board will soar by 8.4 per cent, hitting rural property owners the hardest.

All of the increased charges were confirmed at a special council meeting in the Robe District Council chambers on July 26.

In a message to ratepayers as part of the budget and business plan, mayor Lisa Ruffell said the Robe council faced many challenges unique to our region.

“Each year our community experiences (a) dramatic increase in population, from approximately 1,500 to over 15,000 during the peak periods,” Ms Ruffell said.

“Assets such as the Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS) are larger than normally required by our population as they must sustain the influx of visitors during holiday periods.

“As a small community we have limited rate income to support our services to meet State and National standards.

“The District Council of Robes manages assets and services additional to some other regional councils such as the marina, the airfield, and childcare facilities.

“Council also oversees the management of the coastline, which includes understanding environmental impacts and the future of rising sea-levels.

“These additional complexities are challenging for (the) council as consideration must be given to current issues as well as forecasting and strategising for the future.

“Country councils such as ours are still required to comply with all the legislative demands our metropolitan cousins face.

“However, limited resourcing requires careful consideration and planning.”

Ms Ruffell explained the consultation process to “carefully consider” the budget and projects consisted of several workshops “with the aim of achieving a sensible and realistic plan”.

“Councils’ intention to fund the proposed projects and services is detailed more broadly within this plan,” she said.

“As we all know inflation continues to cause pressures on all of us and (the) council is not exempt from these pressures.

“Increased pricing in all areas of council has a direct impact on the delivery of services and ratepayer affordability.

“With this in mind, council members’ decision to increase rates to remain in line with the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 6.7 per cent and one per cent growth is considered fair and reasonable in the current climate.

“As members of this area, we have the privilege for four years to represent the local community and always strive to make decisions that enhance and nurture this beautiful and unique area.”

Ms Ruffell said she and councillors were pleased to present the four-year budget and business plan and implement the strategies contained within.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.