TAKE STOCK: BE ALERT DO NOT BE ALARMED

There is currently a need to need to seriously reimagine local governance and rejig what we understand that it could and should be doing. Likewise, there is a burning need to reimagine what services we actually  'need' as opposed to what currently on offer and is imagined as being realistic and required.

There are messages leaking out of Launceston's Town Hall that 'management is gunning for' what would be diabolical increases in rates and charges. A well informed person with inside knowledge says that the word is that:

• The general rate is being proposed to increase by 3.9%;
• Council fees and charges are being proposed to be increased by 6% across the board; and
• There are something like 800 fees and charges imposed by the City of Launceston.

An ex-Alderperson tells it like it is, when they say, "the only thing left to be taxed is fresh air and they are working on that".

In the current circumstances local governance should be looking at how it can relieve the burden on ratepayers and residents. It has been put to me that what is required is a 10% drop in the general rate and all fees and charges. Yet the word coming out of Town Hall is that "hell might freeze over before there is any of that sort of rubbish".

Why the need to increase rates and fees and charges? Well if you have mismanaged the city's finances and vastly overspent on just about every budget increasing income might well be you first call. So the hapless ratepayers and residents are a target for conscription.

As they say in the movies "watch this space."

PS: Do not expect to read about any of this in The Examiner!