Voice of Byron regular, Jim Mangleson, has written to the NSW Minister for Local Government about Council’s Rates Hike Survey.
Jim writes: “Thank you for exposing the false survey being undertaken by Byron Council.
“I have attached a file showing the complaint sent to the Minister for Local Government which is self explanatory.
“Council has told the Minister the misleading reply paid card sent out to ratepayers is only a “Prompter” to fill in the survey.
“Ratepayers can elect to fill in the No Increase option in the survey, which is not even called an option.
“Good Luck and thanks, Jim.”
Jim’s letter:
Dear Minister,
Re. FALSE COMMUNITY SURVEY BY BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL
I wish to personally bring to your notice a deceptive Community Survey currently being undertaken by the Byron Shire Council.
Ratepayers have received with their rate notices a reply paid letter asking the ratepayers which increase in rates they would prefer.
I enclose a copy of that letter and the 3 Options . Annex 1
However if you access the Council’s website you will find that there are 4 Options including NO special rate variation and Council would not be considered fit for the future.
I have also enclosed that survey and you will find that 4th option on Page 3 under Item 8.
Most disturbingly although the heading in Item 8 requests us to number 1 to 4 our preferences Options 1,2 & 3 are headed Options but the 4th bullet point is not headed Option. Annex 2
Most ratepayers when questioned are not aware of the 4th option as you must search Council’s website to access this other survey.
All local press advertising are only stating that there are only 3 options. Copy also enclosed. Annex 3
Would you ensure that the ratepayers are sent the true survey offering the 4 options and seek an explanation why this deception is being undertaken at our expense
The replacement correct survey I am sure will result in the 4th Option being preferred if ratepayers are given the opportunity.
Trusting you will give this matter your urgent consideration.
Very interesting letter Jim. It wasn’t clear that there was a no increase option. There only seemed to be the options big, bigger or huge!
Couldn’t agree more with the sentiments above. This is disgraceful and covert behaviour by the council in an effort to decieve constituents. I am appalled by this underhanded tactic and would be most interested to find out who is behind it. Residents deserve better from those who repesent them. Will wait to see IF anyone is held accountable…
Not only is the survey deceptive Jim, it’s very hard to find the active survey on Council’s website, the one you’ve been ‘prompted’ to do online.
I hope all the electorate tell Council to sell all the properties they own that sit there doing nothing but costing us money, including the old Telco building in Mullum and the 4 blocks along the Belongil wall. That should bring in enough money to start repairing roads.