Families and businesses in the Australian tourist region of Cessnock are protesting a proposed 39.9 per cent increase to local rates. The increase, voted in favour by Cessnock Council last month, aims to address an $8 million budget deficit.
Rate Hike Sparks Outrage in Cessnock
Mother-of-three Kirstie Collins described the proposed hike as “pretty disgusting,” expressing concern that residents will be unable to afford their homes.
The proposed increase comes as the wine region experiences a 45 per cent drop in tourism attributed to cost-of-living pressures. Veteran winemaker Colin Peterson said the situation is a “slow death spiral,” adding that his business has been forced to make redundancies for the first time in 40 years.
If approved, business owners will face an additional $2070 annually. Farmland owners will see an increase of $1360 per year, while residents will pay an extra $596.
A final decision on the rate hike rests with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, with results expected in May.
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