QUESTIONS: Candidates Forum for Ratepayers, Residents and Candidates

Candidates Forum' for Ratepayers, Residents and Candidates 

Heather Hall, 64 Robin Street (Cnr. Penquite Road) Newstead 

Monday 13th October at 7.00pm 

Independent Chairman Mr. Owen Tilbury 

All 25 Candidates for election to Launceston City Council are invited. A 2 minute individual profile presentation by each Candidate in attendance, will be followed by questions from the floor, moderated by Mr Owen Tilbury. Answers to the following questions received by 12 Noon on Monday 13th October, shall be published HERE on the Tasratepayers blogsite prior to the commencement of the Forum, and from where a summary of questions and answers will also be published. 

QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES FOR LAUNCESTON CITY COUNCIL 2014 

ISSUE 1: There is an air of "change" moving across Launceston. 

• What components for a fresh approach can you bring to the table that can address the fundamental role of local government without encroaching on the roles of state and federal governments ? 

ISSUE 2: Launceston City Council is one of the largest Corporations in Tasmania, so if elected to Council you will become akin to a "Director on the Board of that Corporation". Launceston City Council will administer, in 2014/15, an Annual Budget with a combined operating and capital expenditure of $109.8 million (up from $96.2 million last year).

• What commercial or other associated experience do you have that provides you with the skills or understanding of the responsibility of the position of Alderman that you are applying for ?

ISSUE 3: Living within our means- Launceston City Council operates a number of Regional Facilities (The 3 big spenders, Aurora Stadium, Launceston Aquatic, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, were reported in June to be way over last year's budget).

• What are your views on the sustainability of these facilities which are presently unfairly funded by just the 28,000 ratepayers of Launceston, but benefit the residents of the greater Launceston area, population ≥ 106,000? Is a full user-pays admission fee the answer? Or privatisation? 
• Is an amalgamation of council areas within the region a solution to this question so that at least those who benefit would contribute to the costs? 

ISSUE 4: With a population of 106,000 in 2010, the greater Launceston area is ranked the 17th largest city in Australia. A discussion paper recently released by the Commonwealth Government flagged the need for consolidation of its 18 largest cities, to make them "more productive, sustainable and liveable".

• What are your ideas for a blueprint to reduce people's dependency on cars, develop high quality public transport, reduce cities' carbon footprints and improve urban planning? How can this be sustainable for Launceston City Council's budget? 

ISSUE 5:  In 2011 economist Saul Eslake said Tasmania's Local Government revenue (rates) was 5% above the national average per head of population, higher than any State (except Northern Territory). Tasmanian Councils also raised 22% less per head from user charges for goods and services than the Australian average and received 60% more per head in grants and subsidies from other levels of government.

Rates in Launceston rise each year and much faster than average weekly earnings (AWE). Asset wealth is not an indication of income or an ability to pay, but Launceston City Council continues to use AAV to assess rating distribution. Rates contribute to our cost of living expenses and these expenses are second only to healthcare expenses. 

• Do you believe that Council rates should be a form of taxation, where those said to have the capacity to pay more should pay more for Council facilities and services than other people? Should a flat residential rate apply, where all ratepayers pay the same amount like Brighton and Georgetown, or a capped residential rate like Devonport ?