Ratepayers want more bang for their buck

HOME owners who have spoken out about the recent rate rise want better infrastructure and services for their dollar.

Steven, James and Jenny Podd from Urangan don't mind the rate rise if the region gets better infrastructure. Picture: Alistair Brightman

HOME owners who have spoken out about the recent rate rise want better infrastructure and services for their dollar.

Jenny Podd, who lives alone in her Urangan home, is a single pensioner who said she would be happy to pay higher rates if it meant better infrastructure in the region.

Ms Podd owns two homes in Hervey Bay and has been in the area for more than 10 years.

"Everyone would rather not have a rate rise, wouldn't they?" she said.

"But it's good to see the money go back to the local community into things like community centres."

Meanwhile, home owner Amanda Coop has been living in Hervey Bay for 15 years and said while she can afford the extra $35 per year, living costs seem to be adding up.

"We have a mortgage and pay rates. It's me, my husband and our little girl," she said.

"We're both working so we can afford it but at the same time, everything else is going up as well.

"If I could see we were getting something back I would feel better but at the moment I feel we pay more every year and the level of service doesn't go up."