Glenorchy City Council set to increase rates by nearly six per cent

The Glenorchy City council looks set to increase rates, after a hefty rise last year. Here’s why.

Analyst pointing candlestick chart; investing compound interest generic

Glenorchy rates could increase by nearly six per cent in the coming financial year, as the council tries to reduce its mammoth budget deficit.

It’s proposed the council adopt a 5.95 per cent rise in general rates, when elected members vote on the budget next week.

It comes after the municipality copped an increase of 8.95 per cent in the 23-24 financial year.

The council looks to generate nearly $45.5m from rates revenue, $2.3m which will come from the rate rise.

Acting mayor Sue Hickey said Glenorchy’s rate’s would still be the lowest out of the Greater Hobart councils.

“Council understands the cost of living pressures people are facing, and we have

implemented budget measures designed to keep rates as low as possible while

providing the services our community rightly demands,” she said.

Acting Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey. Picture: Linda Higginson

On top of that, the State Landfill Levy, which the council is required to pay the state government for waste sent to landfill, recently doubled to $44.88 per tonne.

That’s led to waste management charges increasing, including general waste management charges increasing by ten per cent and recycling and FOGO increasing by five per cent.

The council is also collects the state fire levy on behalf of the government, which is increasing by $216k (3.3 per cent), across the municipality.

The council estimates the increase in rates, waste management and fire levy charges will result in an increase of $85 per year per household.

The council’s budget estimates forecast an underlying deficit of $2.3m, which compares to a deficit in the 23-24 period of $3.63m.

“Rather than saddling Glenorchy ratepayers with large future debt, we are managing our finances with a clear path to budget surplus just one year away,” Ms Hickey said.

Council will vote on the budget at a special meeting on Monday.