Tree Policy etc
Sue Brooks March 30th, 2011
Just a quick post to remind everyone that Council is asking for feedback on a Draft Tree Policy. The policy is designed to outline the Council intent in relation to managing trees on land it controls. Trees in parks and on road reserves are dealt with and I am glad to see a focus on developing a regional approach to all things (public) tree related. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Fraser Coast became as famous for its trees as it is for its whales etc? The tree policy is available via the web site so happy reading.
We are in the midst of budget discussions at this time of year and as always it is a matter of balancing needs. I notice that a group of concerned residents are advertising a rates forum for the 1st July at The Brolga. The timing is interesting as it will be too late to impact on this years budget I think. But it was reported that one of the organisers believes that the Fraser Coast has the highest minimum general rate in Queensland. This is simply not true.
Lastly a thank you to everyone who took the time to submit to the proposed new Local Laws. The next stage of adopting new Local Laws will be happening soon. Also a reminder that when only a few submissions are received as a result of Council asking for input, the people who participate in the process are the ones who are listened to. Council has a link to the Have Your Say options via the web site and it is a good idea to check what is happening at least once a month or sign up to the Council enews.
I was as sad as everyone with the news that Molly was to be euthanised. It is always sad when animals misbehave or are killed on the roads due to inadequate confinement. My dear Sharna was a Houdini dog and even knocked our sliding windows off their tracks and on to the floor to escape through the fly wire when confined inside the house. She suffered separation anxiety and a fear of any sudden loud noise. I often worried that she would end up a roadside casualty due to her fondness for ‘getting out’. Once she escaped a totally enclosed verandah that was roofed and fenced with pool fencing panels. I think she must have squeezed through the bars somehow! So while I know it is a challenge sometimes to keep dogs contained it is the Law and it is essential that we keep our animals constrained to keep them safe and to keep other people and their pets and livestock safe also. Molly had already been declared a Dangerous Dog prior to this latest incident and this fact seems to have been missed in the media reports. I watch Ceaser the Dog Whisperer on Sunday nights and it is patently obvious that many dogs suffer due to humans inadequacy at caring properly for their physical and emotional needs! Take care, Sue
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- Comments(3)
Fiddling around with the rates does not address the main inequity in this area. Which is the valuation upon which the rates of an individual ratepayer are levied. At present Wide Bay still adheres to the Land Value basis which is very easy to arrive at. Valuation , if actually physically done at all, is done from a slowly moving car ! More likely an agreed percentage is just added to the previous valuation. Being sure to keep it slightly below market to avoid controversy!
A multi million dollar McMansion on a block identical to it’s next door run down, ‘land value only’, 1920s shack occupied by an age pensioner, attracts the same rates to it’s affluent owners as face the indigent neighbour. Is this fair ?
In most cities either a Capital Improved Value or at least a shandy of that and land value adjusts this inequity. The only arguments in favour of keeping Land Value only as a rating base are it’s ease of computation compared with improved valuations – an actual valuer and an actual inspection required – and the wholly venal fact that it ” encourages the sale and development of older properties ” . If you are old and poor but live on the Esplanade, sell out, go into a retirement home, and allow some white shoe developer to erect another stucco surfaced concrete block temple to money.
Compared with this, fiddling with the actual rate in the dollar of valuation is ignoring the principle of the burden of taxation falling most on those best able to bear it.
Hi Sue. We had a dog as well, before he passed, and I really do agree that they become part of your life, like a child really. It is really encouraging for us to read your kind comments, and hear of your own experience with your dog. It’s great that an elected representative is a pet lover too, with a kind heart, and that you consider their needs and how us pet lovers feel with issues surrounding dogs. Thanks and regards.
Colin,
Please tell us why “A multi million dollar McMansion on a block identical”, should pay more rates?
Don’t we pay for services provided?