Thousands sign Andrews' petition

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has claimed opposition to Gosford Council's proposed rate rise is growing.

She said that, in just four weeks, 3000 people had signed a petition against the rate rise following the public meeting in Woy Woy.

She said she invited Minister for Local Government Mr Kerry Hickey to Woy Woy for the meeting last month so he could hear opposition to the rate rise proposed by Gosford Council.

"Thousands of Gosford ratepayers are making a strong protest against Gosford Council's plan to slug working families with a $180 rate rise," Ms Andrews said

"Working families are telling me they're already doing it tough," Ms Andrews said.

"With interest rates and high petrol prices, working families simply cannot afford an extra $180 added to their rates bill.

"That's why I invited Mr Hickey to Woy Woy, so he could see for himself how opposed the community is to Gosford's cash grab."

Ms Andrews said she expected more people would add their signatures to the petition as word got out around the community

Ms Andrews said the Minister had the final say on council's proposed rate rise above the rate peg.

"On the other hand, the Coalition Opposition will review rate pegging," Ms Andrews said.

"By reviewing rate-pegging, it will leave the door open for rates to rise by up to 30 or 40 percent."

Ms Andrews urged people to sign the petition at her electorate office at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy.

Press release, 12 Jan 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats