Cut rates to aid Tweed
TWEED Shire Council should forego increases in rates and other council charges in a bid to help the struggling local economy and ease the pain being felt by increasing numbers of unemployed trades people, according to Cr Warren Polglase.
Cr Polglase yesterday warned the closure of the Bunnings Trade Centre in Murwillumbah, established just over two years ago to sell directly to trades people mostly employed in the then healthy construction industry, was a sign of “how bad things are”.
He warned the council would have to cut back a planned 7.5% rates rise in the next financial year (2012-13) and look at holding steady or cutting a range of fees and charges.
Cr Polglase said the council should look at chopping the proposed rates increase “back to the bone” and putting some non-urgent programs on hold.
Although the increase had been approved he said “we as a council don't have to go with it”.
