The residents of Kingborough have re-elected me in 2018 to represent them on Council. Residents have supported and re-elected me for the last 35 years. During that time I have backed strategic planning for the provision and maintenance of infrastructure and services, which provide value for rates and serve the community. Kingborough’s service levels are comparable to surrounding Councils (Hobart, Clarence and Glenorchy).Good services and amenities have attracted people to live here. Consequently we have had an average of 2% growth per year for the last three decades. I have consistently supported efficiencies whilst providing good services and infrastructure. After 35 years of advocating efficient service provision, I am pleased that independent analysis by the Tasmanian Audit Office shows that Kingborough Council has low rates compared with other similar sized Councils.
According to the Auditor General, Kingborough Council has the:
Lowest rates per rateable property,
Lowest Rates per Capita,
Lowest Operating Costs per Rateable Property,
Lowest Average Staff Costs per FTE,(full time equivalent) person and
Lowest FTEs per head of population
(compared with Hobart, Clarence, Glenorchy and Launceston.) SOURCE Report of Auditor-General No. 8 of 2015-16.
I am pleased that Council’s long term strategy has succeeded: Per dollar value of a property, we charge the lowest dollar amount of annual rates per property. Individual residents, on average, pay the lowest rates per person. On average, for each rateable property, residents pay the lowest Council operating costs. Council has the lowest staff costs per person employed. Council has the lowest number of staff per head of population. Kingborough Council maintains relatively low rates while providing a wide range of services. To achieve this balance, Council must make careful decisions on priorities for expenditure.
For details of the budget look at:
https://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FINAL-Annual-Plan-approved-by-Council-on-15.8.2022.pdf
Kingborough Councillor, Flora Fox says; “The Tasmanian community neighbourhood is being sidelined by developers. New rules allow ‘fast-tracking’ and high density unit approvals, to the detriment of the locals. Fancy footwork by the Government has changed the planning rules to force local Councils to approve high density developments that no local wants next door. Councils now get the blame for unacceptable developments which Councils cannot refuse. Objections under the rules by locals are now meaningless, because the rules have been cooked to over-ride the interests of the locals.”
Councillor Flora Fox said; “State Government Planning rules have been changed to support developers, despite community and Council objections. This started in other Australia States and Tasmania is the last to fall to sustained lobbying by developers. Now, under the new Bill, so‑called “Major Project” development approvals completely bypass Council’s and locals.
Both major political parties are supported financially by developers but because candidates do not need to declare this in Tasmania, we don’t know the details. NSW, in contrast, prohibits donations by property developers.
Locals have invested billions of dollars on the basis of the Kingborough Council’s vision of making Kingborough a nice place to live. State imposed disorderly development, without adequate access to local schools, transport and shops, disadvantages all residents.”
Councillor Fox explained; “As an example, the Huntingfield High Density project, “fast tracked” by the State Government, spoils the amenity of existing residents.
At a public meeting on 25th July 2019, over 300 people, including myself, expressed their consternation at the attack by the State Government on the amenity of existing residents.
Kingborough Councillors met with Minister Jaensch on 5th October 2020. The Minister denied responsibility for the impact of the Huntingfield High Density project on surrounding roads, busses, local schools, shared footpaths, and reserves.
Council has a budget for providing infrastructure for the whole community. The State Government is not financially supporting Council, but leap-frogging existing demands for infrastructure in other parts of Kingborough.”
“Minister Jaensch’s denial of responsibility for the impact of the “fast tracked” high density Huntingfield project on Kingborough, is precisely what is upsetting the Kingborough residents.” said Councillor Flora Fox.