In light of the recent revenue surplus for the ACT government, am I the only rate payer that is wondering what I am actually getting for my rate dollars, and how it compares with other areas around Australia?
My only comparison is relatives who own properties with land values around 8 times higher than mine (Sydney’s eastern suburbs), they pay less than the amount I do in rates per year? How does this figure? They also receive the benefit of lovely street scapes, green waste bins (as obviously no one should have to own a trailer to dispose of grass clippings), quarterly rubbish collection, and excellent parks for children to play in. The way I see it: I have to pay extra for a trash pack or trailer to get rid of green waste; I have to pay large tip fees to get rid of waste quarterly; the parks are not nice places to take children and relax; the recycling is collected once a fortnight and is always so full we need to use the other bin; the local shops are old, unkempt and in desperate need of an update; and the streetscapes are certainly not attractive in the suburbs.
I am willing to admit that my expectations may be too high, and my research base too narrow but: Do you think you get value for money with the amount of money you pay to the local government in the ACT?
I have been unsuccessfully searching online for any comparison information. Anyone know of any research that would be of interest?
One a side note: does the whole ‘green frontage’ policy of the government (not allowing front fences, and therefore not allowing you to use your front yard) seem at odds with the water restriction situation to anyone else?
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