Council video defends rates charges

A new video outlining the range of activities undertaken by Gosford Council has been released following a revaluation of properties in the Gosford municipality.

Council general manager Mr Paul Anderson said there had been some recent variations in rates notices from the previous financial year.

"The rate price for an individual property is calculated based on the Valuer General's Unimproved Land Value, which is reviewed every four years.

"Depending on how a property valuation changes over that period, residents may see an increase or decrease in their rate cost," said Mr Anderson.

Mr Anderson said that this process caused a redistribution of rates levied across all properties in a Local Government Area.

"In total, our rate income across Gosford City does not change through this process, as this is regulated by the Division of Local Government," Mr Anderson added.

Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna said the video would "help better inform the community about what they get for their rate dollar".

"I think within the community there are a few misconceptions about what rates money goes toward funding," said Cr McKinna.

"With being so involved in our community, my fellow councillors and I felt that as an organisation we needed to make more of an effort to inform residents of all the services council provides.

"That being the case, we decided to put together a video outlining the range of activities we undertake within the local government area.

"I would encourage everyone to watch the Your Council video, which can be viewed on www.mygosford.tv - which you may notice features a few familiar faces," said Cr McKinna.

Media release, 30 Aug 2013

Paul Anderson, Gosford Council