THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 24 #45 SCENE Tuesday, April 20, 2010 N Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 E Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 E Fax 02 6684 1719 R
[email protected] [email protected] G www.echo.net.au page 18 21,000 copies every week CROUCHING HACK, HIDDEN SNAPPER Rate increase Tallowood still on protesters’ radar in shire plan The 2010-2013 Draft Management Plan and Budget is on public exhibi- tion until 10 May 2010. Byron Shire Mayor Jan Barham said the draft plan details the services and programs to be delivered by Council along with an overview of capital works planned for 2010/11. ‘It’s a challenging budget for this upcoming financial year,’ she said in a press release. ‘The recently an- nounced rate pegging of 2.6 per cent by the NSW government makes it impossible to maintain the level of service expected by our residents and ratepayers. ‘A 2.6 per cent cap does not cover the real costs that Council experi- ences and doesn’t allow for increases in electricity, wages and equipment. Unfortunately, the continual cost shifting from the state government to local councils will mean a special rate application for Council for the upcoming financial year.’ Council is seeking a 6.98% special rate increase for 2010/11. The rate in- crease on the general fund will be used for one million dollars’ worth of services and programs including the new Byron Bay Library $100,000, Byron Sport and Cultural Complex $120,000, Byron Regional Sport and Cultural Complex maintenance $186,000, increased regional library Protesters gathered last Saturday at the proposed Tallowood Ridge Estate subdivision site at Mullumbimby to reinforce their call for residents to attend a contribution $84,000, information Land and Environment Court hearing at the Byron Bay courthouse on Wednesday April 28.