By Tate Papworth
Several Keilor residents are furious that they could face increases of up to 15 per cent on their council rates.
Keilor Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson Susan Jennison said the association had been contacted by a number of concerned residents who say they have received letters from the council informing them of potential increases.
“People are up in arms over it – it flies in the face of recent property valuations and council policy,” Ms Jennison said. “We’ve had at least five people contact us about it.”
Brimbank council said earlier this year, as part of its budget process, about 72 per cent of residents would receive a rate decrease.
Ms Jennison questioned how Keilor residents could be hit with the maximum increase given that pledge and the state of the property
market.
Brad Teal Real Estate sales manager and auctioneer Craig Teal said there was little doubt the market had dipped in the past 12 months.
“It’s been going backwards, definitely,” he said. “It’s dipped for sure.
“Having said that, Keilor’s a bit more protected than other suburbs … Keilor certainly doesn’t have those heavy falls.”
Brimbank council chief strategist financial and organisational excellence Shane Marr said rate increases were based on property value.
“The vast majority of residential ratepayers – 72 per cent – will receive a reduction in their rates for 2019-2020 financial year,” he said.
“A small proportion of properties in Brimbank have experienced an increase in property valuations. If your rates have increased by more than the rate cap of 2.50 per cent, this is because your property value has increased relative to other properties in Brimbank.
“From 2018-2019, all properties are revalued by the Valuer-General at the start of each calendar year. This is a requirement across all councils.”
