THE majority of Sutherland Shire ratepayers will have a smaller rate rise than those in other parts of NSW.
Shire rates will rise 1.8 percent rate in 2014-15, while other councils across the state will impose the maximum allowable 2.3 percent increase or more.
The decision will affect about 58,500 residential ratepayers, which is close to 70 percent of all ratepayers in the shire.
But shire businesses and industry will pay more under the new rate strategy contained in Sutherland Shire Council’s draft budget for 2014-15, released at Tuesday’s council meeting.
The council has introduced 11 additional rating areas with a mix of commercial, industrial and business rates. The main purpose is not to increase total revenue but to address inequities that cause high residential rates.
A council review of its rating strategy found one general business rate did not reflect the true distribution of expenditure raised from rates.
Some centres have a far greater concentration of activity than other centres, leading to an inequitable distribution of council expenditure.
‘‘This makes the rating system much fairer and much more succinct,’’ Sutherland Shire mayor Steve Simpson said of the proposed change.
The budget lists a record 400 projects to be carried out across the shire in the coming year.
Highlights include $11million for roads and traffic management, $3million for new footpaths, $1.8million for drainage and water quality improvements, $500,000 for new bus shelters and $110,000 for 91 additional garbage bins in parks and shopping shelters.
The council will introduce a school-based traineeship scheme to create job opportunities for the shire’s youth.
A consultant will be appointed to undertake a feasibility study to look at options to improve or replace the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
‘‘I want to assure the community that we will be not be selling
Sutherland Entertainment Centre,’’ Cr Simpson said.
‘‘We are engaging a consultant to undertake a feasibility study of modernising the site.’’
A design competition will be held, inviting submissions for the upgrade of Cronulla Plaza.
‘‘I would not be asking for a new design of the [plaza] if it was going to be a windswept tunnel,’’ he said.
The budget provides for the roll-out of synthetic fields at Lilli Pilli Oval, Kareela Oval and at Greenhills Parklands.
Other projects include improvements to Cronulla Rock Pool, an upgrade of Miranda Shopping Centre, rebuilding Kingswood Road Oval at Engadine and construction of the Menai Rural Fire Service station.
The budget brings down the council’s external debt by $800,000.
The 2014-15 draft budget is on public exhibition until Wednesday, May 14.
Do you think the council’s rating strategy is fair?