This is in addition to the recent introduction of 0.5% credit card fees.
While Council is increasing rates on average by $230 ($4.42 per week), pensioners will receive an additional discount of $100, leaving them out of pocket by $130 per year.
At the last council meeting, Blacktown Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale said: “[Council is] seeking to provide all of the services that is necessary for the growth of Blacktown City Council, for example we have 800 parks and reserves, somebody has to cut the grass.”
Cr Brad Bunting said: “It is only $2.90 [per week] not even a price for a cup of coffee. People kept saying they want more services; we want more, more, more services and this comes at a cost.”
Cr Stubley said: “Every family in Blacktown is cutting back and looking at common sense approaches to spend less money and I am asking in solidarity with the people, we [Council] do the same.”
Cr Israel said: “People are facing increasing interest rates and inflation whilst workers are seeing only $1.05 per hour increase, therefore I reserve my judgement until I receive the community feedback.”
Blacktown Council has seen its cash and investments rise by over $200M over the last two years to a total balance of around $800M.
Have your say by checking out council website for the consultation process or contact your local councillor.
