Huon Valley Council increases rates by 6 per cent to develop climate change and waste strategies

One southern Tasmanian council has upped its rates by almost 6 per cent as it commits to developing new strategies to combat climate change and waste management.

Huon Valley Council has increased rates by almost 6 per cent. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

RATEPAYERS in one southern Tasmanian council will pay almost 6 per cent more next financial year to develop new strategies to combat climate change and waste management.

Huon Valley Council backed a 5.95 per cent rate increase on Wednesday night — which equates an average rise of $1.15 a week for a property with a value of $300,000.

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The council has budgeted almost $26 million for its day-to-day operations that includes funding to plan for the future to address climate change, waste management and economic and workforce planning in a community still recovering from the devastating impact of the summer bushfire crisis.

As part of the climate change strategy the council will replace a petrol car due for an upgrade with an electric vehicle.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

It will also complete the installations of solar panels on council office buildings.

Mayor Bec Enders said independent analysis from the Auditor-General’s office showed its average rateable valuation was the third lowest in the state.

“Long term financial sustainability and planning for the future was the council’s focus in preparing this year’s budget along with maintaining all current services,” she said.

“Our businesses and community will benefit from the new strategies, socially, environmentally and economically.

The Huon Valley is still recovering from the devastating effects of the summer bushfire crisis. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The economic and workforce planning strategy will ensure that as the Huon Valley grows, so do job opportunities and training.”

The Huon Valley will also see Stride and Walton streets and Lucaston Link, Jetty, Palmers and Esperance Coast roads upgraded as part of infrastructure spending in the budget.

Funding has been allocated to upgrade recreation spaces across the valley, with public toilets at Randalls Bay and Shipwrights Point to get a facelift. Playgrounds at Dover and Huonville will also be upgraded.

To help improve safety, transparency and public trust, council will also purchase body cameras for some frontline staff such as compliance officers and inspectors.

Ms Enders said the council would continue to seek funding and grants for projects not included in the budget.

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