2.75 per cent rate rise for Ballarat residents defended

Mayor of Ballarat, Des Hudson, has defended last week’s decision by the majority of councillors to back a 2.75% rate rise.

The move, along with new assessments and supplementary valuations, with see council collect an extra $7 million in rate revenue.

However, in the nearby city of Ararat, rate payers will get a zero per cent rise for the 7th time.

Compared to Ballarat, Cr. Hudson says in terms of the average rate per property in the smaller shire of Ararat Rural City is around $2,000.

“They’re listed as 21st in the state in terms of highest to largest [whereas] Ballarat, as a regional city, comes in at 25,” he said.

“Per residential property, Ararat is actually a dearer rate.”