Andrews speaks against rate rise

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has opposed Gosford Council's proposed rate rise in a speech in State Parliament late last week.

Ms Andrews said she had received over 6000 signatures from ratepayers to her petition opposing the proposed rate hike, which would be well above the pegged rate of 3.4%.

"Local residents cannot afford to pay more as many are already under a great deal of financial strain, particularly those on fixed incomes and those suffering under a number of recent interest rate rises," said Ms Andrews.

"Petrol prices have remained at exorbitant levels which have had a huge impact on Central Coast residents as many have to drive to and from their workplace as well as absorb the related increase in the cost of food items.

In her speech, Ms Andrews said that her main criticism of Gosford Council was that, despite being promoted "under the guise of a City Infrastructure Strategy", the rate increase would not address the basics of dirty water, drainage, kerb and guttering and footpaths.

"After attending the three public forums held by Council on the Civic Infrastructure Strategy, I was extremely disappointed at the poor attendance by local residents.

"Had Council clearly informed the public that these forums were about a proposal for a rate rise, I am sure the venues would have been filled to capacity."

Ms Andrews said only two councillors opposed the planned rate rise.

She said this reflected a lack of understanding by the majority of the council of how families and retirees are suffering financially.

Ms Andrews said she would meet with Local Government Minister Paul Lynch this week to request that any application by Gosford Council to increase rates by nearly 10% be rejected.

Media release, June 7 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford