NEWS DESK
Two per cent cap for rates
Divers with cross purpose THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Rye pier on Friday to join in the Blessing of the Waters celebration, and to escape the 33-degree heat in the cool waters of Port Phillip. The ceremony is held every year at Rye by followers of the Greek Orthodox faith to celebrate Epiphany Day and the baptism of Jesus. Divers of different ages and en-
ergy levels dived off the pier after a wooden cross was blessed by the Very Reverand Elefterios Tatsis before being tossed into the bay. Stelios Kardas, 37, from Melbourne, was first to the cross this year. Participants at a similar event at Frankston were asked to sign a waiver acknowledging the illness risk involved in diving into possibly polluted
waters after flash flooding swept waste into Port Phillip last week. Swimmers were advised to thoroughly shower straight afterwards by Coast Guard volunteers at the group’s clubhouse. The holy cross is believed to bring health, guidance and good fortune to those who retrieve it, and their families, for the year ahead.
COUNCIL rates rises will be capped at two per cent for the 2017/18 financial year as part of the state government’s policy to limit any rises to the rate of inflation. The consumer price index (CPI) was forecast to be two per cent by the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins decided not to accept advice from the Essential Services Commission recommending a cap of 2.15 per cent for municipalities across Victoria. The Labor state government pledged to cap rates before Premier Daniel Andrews won office at the 2014 election in a policy it dubbed “Fair Go Rates�. “In the decade before we introduced Fair Go Rates, council rates increased by an average of 6 per cent per annum. This has now stopped, making things fairer for ratepayers,� Ms Hutchins said in a statement. “Victorians have told us they want more of a say in council decision-making, and now is the time for councils to speak with their communities about their budgets for next year.� Mornington Peninsula Shire says it will continue to review services to deliver “value-for-money� programs and projects “within its funding capacity�. Shire chief financial officer Matthew Green said council “has already introduced measures, including organisational reviews and restructures
and purchasing efficiencies to operate within the state government’s rate cap�. “Mornington Peninsula Shire’s rates remain among the lowest in the state, and the shire will ensure its services and community infrastructure is delivered in a financially-responsible manner,� Mr Green said. Councils across Victoria can apply to the Essential Services Commission for exemptions from the rate cap if it can be proven rate rises above inflation are needed for specific circumstances. “Council is yet to consider whether it will apply to the Essential Services Commission for a variation to the rate cap,� Mr Green said. He said council had abolished the $180 municipal charge last year. The shire dropped the municipal charge and introduced a waste service charge which it said at the time would ensure a “fairer redistribution of the rate burden�. The then mayor Cr Graham Pittock said the $193 a property waste charge would raise $19 million, an amount that “fully recovers the cost of collection and disposal of refuse�. The shire’s 2016/17 income was put at just over $214 million. The budget also shows shire staffing costs will rise by $3.067 million to $70.094 million – about 30 per cent of total expenditure. Neil Walker
Experience sunset from the bay aboard Searoad Ferries IF you’ve ever dreamed of sailing off into the sunset then now’s your chance! Searoad Ferries has just released its Summer Sunset Sailings dates for summer, with departures from Sorrento and Queenscliff. Taking place on 11 and 25 February 2017, the Sunset Sailings are the perfect way to relax, unwind and enjoy some down time with family and friends. If you’ve been impressed by the views from the ferry during the day, then you will love the way the Bay and Peninsulas light up at night! On top of the breathtaking views and spectacular sunset, passengers on the Sunset Sailings will also receive a complimentary drink on arrival, continuous finger food prepared by Head Chef, Brent Love, using local and regional
produce, live music and roving entertainment. Drinks can be purchased at bar prices throughout the night. All of Searoad’s onboard facilities are available for passengers to enjoy, including the comfortable lounges, full length windows for maximum viewing, external viewing decks and outdoor seating, onboard cafÊ and children’s play area. From Sorrento, the Sunset Sailings depart at 7.00pm and return at 10.00pm. From Queenscliff, sailings depart at 7.45pm and return at 10.45pm. Tickets are on sale now and cost $85 per person. To book, please visit www.searoad.com.au or call 03 5258 3244
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK Mornington News 10 January 2017
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