Showground precinct action group calls for investigation over monster rate increase
CASTLE Hill Showgrounds residents are facing yet another battle — they have been slugged with a 276 per cent rate increase with a submission to the Office Of Local Government asking for councillors to be suspended until an investigation is complete.
Hills Shire
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SHOWGROUND residents are facing yet another battle — they have been slugged with a 276 per cent rate increase.
Showground Residents Matter Action Group spokesman Paul Cook hit out at the Hills Shire Council’s decision to increase rates for residents in the Showground precinct, revealing a submission to the Office Of Local Government has called for councillors to be suspended until an investigation is complete.
Residents were notified of a substantial increase in their rates last month, resulting in pleas to the council and Castle Hill state Liberal MP Ray Williams to intervene.
“Council has called for the Valuer-General to perform a valuation of our land value following the rezoning that occurred last year,” Mr Cook told the Times.
“This is something that is done every three years, however, the council has sought for a reassessment to dramatically increase our rates.”
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Residents have called for council to reassess their rates, claiming until development applications for the Showground precinct are approved, there is no increased value.
“We are already five years into this stalemate and unless council starts approving applications for redevelopment in the Showground, we aren’t in a position to pay increased rates,” Mr Cook said.
“I have written them a letter seeking a reassessment of my rates.”
Mr Cook said residents in the Showground precinct made a submission to the Office of Local Government and local government ombudsman calling for an investigation several weeks ago following claims of misconduct around the treatment of residents amid a stalemate over future development of the precinct.
“We have highlighted concern around the conduct of certain councillors and inaction to support residents,” he said. “The recommendation of residents is to suspend the council until a full investigation is conducted.”
The Hills Shire Council was contacted for comment.