“I think, in short, it was probably fair and reasonable at this point in time but council has to be capable of living within its means,” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle/The Free Press.
“I think we all agree that council needs some money in the short term but must differentiate between core assets and community assets – between needs and wants.”
Mr Bott re-iterated IPART’s decision as “fair and reasonable” but added: “It’s giving council two years to get their house in order – council needs to examine their situation closely and involved the community more.”
Mulwala Progress Association President Robert Purtle OAM said he was disappointed but not surprised at IPART’s decision.
“I don’t know if we’re going to get any more service or money spent in our area,” he said.
“It’s going to impact pretty heavily on the people of Mulwala.”
Mr Purtle cited the example of struggling RSL Village residents in town paying $6,000 rates a year when they are pensioners or earn little or no income.
He still acknowledges Federation Council is one of the lowest rating councils in NSW but concluded with: “Mulwala is the highest rate area in the Federation Shire.”
Outspoken Mulwala ratepayer Peter Seeliger said ratepayers now have a determination that is nowhere near as bad as it could have been.
“IPART has given Federation Council approval for a two-year temporary SV of 39.2%. I believe the key word here is ‘temporary’ - I believe this to mean that the 19% and 17% yield will not apply for the 2025-26 rating year but go back to the 2022-23 yield plus a rate peg yet to be determined by IPART,” he said.
“The reason stated by IPART is that the council did not demonstrate community awareness of the extent of the rate increase.
“Ratepayers have now been asked to give council more funds and now I think council has an obligation to look at productivity gains and cost containment measures.
“Federation Council cannot keep asking for more funds from ratepayers to keep the books balanced.”
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