The Scenic Rim Regional Council will conduct a review to assess the impact to ratepayers of the Federal Government’s proposed carbon tax, after a unanimous vote by councillors.
The motion to conduct the review was moved by Deputy Mayor Dave Cockburn who said he was concerned added costs could push up rates.
“Since amalgamation Council has worked hard to turn around the economic position of the region to the point where both the State Government and an independent auditor have deemed us to be financially strong."
"So you can understand our reluctance to embrace extra taxes,” Cr Cockburn explained.
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Deputy Mayor Dave Cockburn |
Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent said residents would be “extremely upset” if rates rose as a result of a carbon tax.
“Many families and businesses are already struggling with other rising state and federal government costs and don’t need more pressure,” he said.
The Mayor said Council was already being forced to issue new charges on behalf of the State Government.
“They’ve forced us to increase infrastructure fees and we now have to collect the State Government’s new waste levy, which increases costs for many businesses.”
He said that residents and local business owners deserve to know any further financial burdens that may be placed on them due to the carbon tax.
Scenic Rim Regional Council CEO Craig Barke will conduct the review and report the findings to Council.