Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has today launched his 2024 re-election campaign with a promise to retain the generous pay-on-time rates discount.
"I am fully aware of current cost-of-living pressures for families and small businesses.
"Today, I commit to retaining the 10 percent pay-on-time discount for all rateable properties. I am confident this is the most generous rate-discount of any council in Australia. Under my watch, it's staying.
"Historically, some sitting councillors have raised the idea of scrapping this discount. These discussions have been raised in our closed session budget discussions so the community won't be aware which councillors hold that view. I certainly don't.
"Today, I call on all sitting councillors and candidates to declare their intention before the election. Make your view known so people know where you stand. Otherwise, it is a 10 percent rate increase by stealth."
Mayor Tate said the discount provided an average of $200 for a typical owner-occupier home. Around 85 percent of rate payers access the pay-on-time discount.
Mayor Tate said since being elected, he had led Council's annual budget discussions to deliver 12 consecutive low rates budgets.
"Since 2012, every annual rate increase has been at, or below, CPI. It is through experience and being a reliable civic leader that we can achieve this budget reform.
"No other candidate has the experience in managing a $2 billion budget, or with a proven track record to manage emergency responses to natural events including the recent Christmas Day storms and floods.
"Last year, as chair of the City Budget, I worked with the CEO (Tim Baker) to undertake the most comprehensive review of our budget since amalgamation.
"We have found millions in recurrent savings and these are going back into the pockets of ratepayers as well as paying for new community infrastructure like the $70 million Palm Beach Aquatic Centre.
"On March 16, don't risk change. Stick with someone who is reliable and who has the experience to deliver."
