7

548 West Jindalee Rd

Cootamundra NSW

2590

10 March 2010

Mr Ken Trethewey

General Manager

Cootamundra Shire Council

Wallendoon St

Cootamundra 2590

Dear Ken,

I am writing in regards to the Strategic Plan Consultation and assets underfunding, I am unable to attend

the open forum's, the dates and times conflict with my truck driving job.

I feel that the Cootamundra shire is the first of many types of council that will be in the same position as

our council now finds itself.

I commend you and your staff for taking the initiative and putting the issue out in front of the rate

payers,

The proposed increase to rates is the most obvious and to my knowledge the most effective way to re-

balance the asset management situation.

I wish to ask a few questions:

1:What happens if the State govt. refuses your proposal to increase the rates? Considering the election

cycle , and the unpopularity of the current govt. Where does this leave us ?

2:Why do we need a heated pool, is this something that the town really needs, ?

( Publicly available figures of other shires that have heated pool complex, show they are a millstone,

really if people need to swim in warm water, lets buy a bus and drive them to Junee every day, it will be

cheaper. Your own estimates increases in wages alone from 2008 of $45000to 2012 of $120000,)

8

3: Is it possible to share large plant purchases (dozers,specialty trucks, etc)and running costs with

neighboring shires?

4. Not so much a question, but an observation,

The commercial rates in Parker St (andI assume Wallendoon St) are very expensive, much higher than

comparable communities in the surrounding shires, the rate distribution needs to be looked at, the

proposed increase if approved will put much strain on local business, ie: the local hotels, supermarkets,

and retail outlets.

I don't expect a personal answer from you, and feel free to use any part on this note in the forums and

discussions within council.

Regards

Michael Chester

142 Thompson Street, 17

Cootamundra,

NSW 2590. 1 5 MR 2010

14 March 2009.

Sir,

It is with some concern that I write to you to complain about the Council's

proposed increase in the rates for this shire.It is a fact that since pensioners received a pension increase that everyone are doing

there best to take it from us in the form of increases for the things that we have to payfor.Let me remind you that you have already increased water rates and now you want to

increase house rates by 8 per cent.

It is not going to affect you as you are getting a big pay each week and no doubt you

also get a discount on your rates.

Food prices are getting higher in spite of Woolworths adds saying that they are

dropping their prices, they seem to forget that they increased their prices just before

last Christmas and their fuel is a full 10¢per litre dearer than at Young.

Electricity prices are going up and no doubt so will Gas and what this means is that it

makes living that much harder for pensioners and the unemployed.You said on the news item that if there were objectionscouncil would have to

reconsider their proposal and I must say that I objectto this proposal very stronglyindeed.Trusting that you will have some consideration for those who have less means to payfor these things.

Yours truly,

Mr. RW Staines.

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Julie Manwaring

From: Ken Trethewey 'ktrethewey@cootamundra.nsw.gov.auSent: Thursday, 18 March 2010 5:41 AMTo: Julie Manwaring 'jmanwaring@cootamundra.nsw.gov.auSubject: FW: DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

Julie, could you save this in the consultation letters please.

Regards

Ken

Ken Trethewey

General Manager

Cootamundra Shire Council

ktrethewey@cootamundra.nsw.gov.au

From: GRAHAM PINNEY [mailto:ssgreendale@hotmail.com]Sent: Thursday, 18 March 2010 12:16 PM

To: Gary ArthurCc: Pat Caskie; Ken Trethewey

Subject: DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN

Gary

I am assuming from the Capital Plan that was issued at yesterday's community consultation thatCouncil will contribute $20,000 of the $29,000 plus cost of doing the erosion control at Apex Park,

which means $9,000 plus will be taken from the MCMA $100,000 funding?

If this be the case, in light of the work that was done at Apex Park, I (personally) am very pleasedwith that outcome.

I have had a quick look at the Strategic Plan and because of my self interest in Creek make only one

comment - on Page 18 and 19 it refers to our group as the Muttama Creek Rehabilitation Group - we

have worked very hard at creating a "brand/logo" which says Muttama Creek Regeneration Group

(MCRG) - I would request that this be changed in the final version (to Regeneration) for purposes of

consistency.

In so far as the rest of the plan is concerned I have a few personal opinions that are best kept to

myself - as I do not feel anywhere near qualified or informed enough to make an intelligent commenton them. I do feel "qualified" enough to say the planning process itself seems VERY comprehensiveand sound. I also understand that this planning process is a legal requirement. I think places like

Wagga are now getting kickbacks from the community about "all this bloody planning". Having been

intimately involved in such processes in another life you have to be careful that you do not just createa plethora of plans (or a PLANNING DEPARTMENT!!!)that actually doesn't DO anything but plan. What

is the saying "if you fall to plan, you plan to fail".

I also noted yesterday John Craig said that the Community Consultation/Engagement process(documents) would be made available after the Council April meeting - you and Ken are no doubt

aware they are on the Council website - and Ken had an advertisement in local paper requestingcomment.

Once again I only had a quick look at them (and I HOPE to have a better look later) but I didn't see

any mention made of Section 355 Committees as a means of engaging the community. Perhaps these

things are now outa vogue. Even though I do hate the word "committee" this process has seemed to

have worked e×tremely efficiently and effectively in the case of MCRG and the Arts Centre and the

Heritage Centre (for e×ample).

1

I0can see these community engagement processes becoming more and more important as small

communities such as ours struggle to do more with less (or perhaps just keep up with less/same!!!).The need for POSITIVE (not antagonistic) collaborations (stakeholders working with one another) will

be critical for just survival. Perhaps further down track the MCRG and Arts Centre can be used as

examples of positive outcomes - I know people like Pat Caskie and myself would be only too willing to

explain to folks, through various media, how these things CAN work.

My (two) brother in laws both have worked in large local governments all their lives and for

many,many years have expressed their frustrations etc about what they do. I really didn't get it. Since

doing this work with the MCRG I AM now starting to "get it", and perhaps how much harder it is for a

smaller Council such as yours.

After being at two of your community forums (yesterday and last year) and one about 4 years ago - I

empathise with you guys and wish you well in trying to make this place go forward (or at least

maintain equilibrium)- my piddling issues with the Creek seem quite insignificant. All I know is that we

have got 100% PLUS support from you guys (and MCMA) on what we have done,

I really enjoyed Ken's comments yesterday ,he quite often said (in regard to negativity, the

unexpected or the things you have no control over) - "that's life" - BECAUSE it is!!!!! Get on with it!!!

Regards.

Graham Pinney

With all the latest places, searching has never been easier. Lookinq for a new home?

2

21.03.2010 07: C7 PM Peter McClintock Dinyah C 02 69424229 PAGE. 1/ 202 69424229

DINYAH & CO. PTY LTDPh: 02 6942 4441 ACN002 I tt 239 "Dinyah"Mob: 0428 42 4441 ARN 40 394 438 582 315 Henhang RdFax: 02 6942 4229

PO Dox 134Enuil: pbm.dinyahghigpond.com C(X)TAMilNDitA NSW 2590

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PB McCLINTOCK

B. COMM. ADY. DIP. FARM Mohrr

Ph: 02 6942 444 l "Dinyah"Mob: 0428 42 4441 315 Berthong RdFax: 02 6942 4229 PO Box 154

Email: pbm.dinyah@bigpondcom COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

24 March 2010

The General Manager,Cootamundra Shire CouncilPO Box 420

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Dear

Re: Draft Cootamundra Strategic Plan 2010-2020

The following are my comments on the above plan for Cootamundra Shire Council

(CSC).Whilst I commend the CSC on its forward thinking approach, I find some ofthe proposals in this draft unrealistic and I am concerned about the burden they are

going to impose on my business and the wider community.

You, as General Manager, have stated that no further efficiency gains can be made to

save money therefore we need to have a 27% rate increase to fund ongoing costs andimprovements. This is going to cost me $153/week in excess of rate pegging or

$7,957 per year. Apparently I am going to have to provide my own efficiency gains to

absorb this cost (notbeing able to pass it on to my customers)so that the CSC can

proceed with desirable but unaffordable infrastructure projectsand become

complacent about its cost structure.

Let us be clear about this, the extra rates will come straight off my bottom line. As

farmers we have barely survived the seasons thrown at us for the past seven years, so

to suddenly start imposing a whole new cost burden on our business at this point in

time is, I think, outrageous. I am sure a significant number of farmers in the Shire are

in the same position and are yet to realize the impact of your rate rises.

Imposing an additional cost burden on the very people who provide directly andindirectly a significant amount of employment in town does very little to promoteCootamundra as a progressive Shire. Any business consultant will tell you that it is far

easier to look after your existing "customers" than find new ones. This tax increase of27% is outrageous and should be abandoned immediately. If you, as General

Manager, can find no further efficiency gains to save money in your organization the

perhaps we need a new General Manager who can. If you, as General Manager, can

12

find further efficiency gains then you are bending the truth to promote the rate

increase.

Strategic Priority 1: Infrastructure

High quality swimming facilities accessible all year round.

I am still to be convinced that an indoor heated pool in any form represents a

worthwhile projectfor the CSC to be undertaking. Whilst the people of this town say

they want one I fail to see how it can be justified.We all know such a pool would

never survive commercially. To bridge this gap, Council feels obliged to step in and

provide this facility. Thus the community shoulders the burden of not only the

construction cost but also the ongoing costs of running and maintaining this facility.

Just because people think they would like a heated pool does not actually mean they

will use this heated pool. Given that it will be probably too warm to swim in but too

cool to do hydrotherapy in, I have serious misgivings about it viability. The ratepayers

of this Shire should not be forced to bear the risk of this projectgoing financially

awry.

Unfortunately we do not have a Dr Kruger bequest to fund this project.We saw some

budget prediction at an earlier consultation which we were not given a hard copy of to

scrutinize. I believe there is a fair degree of risk in the assumptions adopted to justifythis pool and I would expect that if this pool goes ahead and proves more of a

financial burden for the future ratepayers than is anticipated that you, as General

Manager, will shoulder the burden for this financial irresponsibility. If you believe the

figures are correct then make meeting the financial assumptions one of the

Performance indicators for this item.

Gap Bridge Issues.

Every effort should be made to advance the proposed sealing of Sutton's Lane. As a

regular user of this lane I can assure you it needs to be sealed. I hope that it is sealed

prior to someone being killed, or alternatively I hope it doesn't take someone being

killed to force the RTA's hand. The CSC obviously undertakes routine maintenance

of this lane, however, the type and speed of traffic using this lane mean that it surface

deteriorates very quickly with corrugations up the road and deep soft sand on the

edges which can significantly test the skills of even the best driver when faced with a

semi-trailer bearing down on you at high speed. I commend the CSC for prioritizing

this issue and I hope we see some action before it is too late.

Town Hall Upgrade.

Whilst there is an obvious desire to improve CSC facilities and public space and I

agree the Town Hall looks tired and has some obvious building code issues I cannot

however, see how the ratepayers of this Shire will receive value for money from a

13

2010 upgrade. $4.5 million dollars is a lot of money. What are we going to get? NewCouncil Chambers at ground level, why can't the Council Chambers be relocated to

the Stephen Ward Rooms? New kitchen, is there value in that? Smaller Civic Hall,how will the Wattle Time Art Show fit in?

I repeat $4.5 million dollars is a lot of money, the cost of which the residential, ruraland business ratepayers of this town will be bearing FOR EVER. There is no plan to

reduce the rates after these projectshave been paid for.

Council Depot Amalgamation.

If the consolidation of the two council depots will enhance efficiency then surely thisefficiency will lead to cost savings. If it doesn't lead to cost savings then it should not

proceed. In business if an upgrade is proposed to improve efficiency then it must be

economically justified.The benefits of the upgrade must outweigh the costs ($2.25mestimated).Now unless I am missing something, I cannot see enough efficiencyimprovements to justify the proposed cost of this project.Please provide detailedinformation as to the other benefits to be derived from this project.

I also have difficulty with the budgeted $500,000 sale price of the old depot site andits inclusion to justify the whole proposal. Whilst I would like to be confident of thefuture prosperity of the Town's industrial activities I cannot see why someone wouldwant to purchase this site when there are industrial/residential interface issues to bedealt with, they are more than likely to purchase a "greenfields" site out of town or in

the industrial area East of the railway.

After consideration of the above I objectto this proposal unless sound economicreasons for amalgamation of the sites are forthcoming.

Strategic Priority 2: Services

Potential Under-utilisation of Sporting Fields

Obviously council maintenance and upkeep of sporting facilities in town is a

significant cost. If facilities are being under-utilized then the CSC needs to investigate

whether these facilities can be consolidated to provide efficiency savings. As a studentof economics I am familiar with the concept of "zero-based budgeting" whereby allcosts must be justified as if there were not previously there (in much the same way as

I hope you can justify the heated pool which is not there).The CSC should be

commended on its attempts to save money in this regard, hopefully these savings are

not required to prop up a financially unsound investment in something else.

14

Resourcing Strategy: Rate Rises

This is the crux of the matter. Apparently efficiency gains and other measures to fund

the CSC wish-list of projectsare unobtainable. Therefore there must be a BIG NEW

TAX adding 27% in real terms to every rate-payers bill in Cootamundra. If you are in

favour of a BIG NEW TAX then go ahead and promote is as such, not hiding behind

averages and statistics to convince the ratepayers that it is not so bad. Until such time

as local rates can be levied evenly across the community, I cannot support a BIG

NEW TAX on the people who own land but may not have the bottom line cash-flowto pay it, especially when those people provide industry and employment in the town.

The heated pool will be a white elephant and should never go ahead.

The Town Hall projectshould be held in limbo until Federal Funding or some otherGrant is available to complete it.

The Council Depot Amalgamation should be economically justified in its own right

otherwise it should not proceed.

The CSC should always be striving for efficiency gains to live within its budget,

everyone else in business has to.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the draft plan. I am looking forward to

your response to my comments.

Y sincere ,

Peter Mc lintock

&

Tabled Document

1 APRIL 2010 1

(Pages1-24)

"Hawick"186 Jugiong Road

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590Mr Ken Trethewey

General Manager

Cootamundra Shire CouncilWallendoon Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Dear Ken,I have read through the Draft Community Strategic Plan. I do have concerns that involvethe mention of the Arts Centre. It appears funding from Government sources in the future

will be directly related to community aspirations and Shire planning with communitysupport. It is therefore important we get some specific mention in this plan beyond themention of a film theatre.It is of concern that community members will get the idea that the Theatre in the Centreis a theatre for film. It is not. It is a performance theatre for performing art. TheCommittee has selected to include film as a secondary venture and that the films will beart, old, boutique, foreign or just one off horror?? NOT GENERAL FILM.

Shortfalls in the consultation process for this Plan.It is my opinion the community believe the arts centre project is assured of completionand in some minds already completed. Neither I or any members of the CCACCCommittee, to my knowledge, have been included in any invited random work groups. Atthe open meetings I attended, some way into the process, I did not think it necessary tobring up our project as I concluded the project had community support through its

extensive volunteer program and the huge support we get for its usage. We are in fact

silent promoters of what the Community wants. In fact we have put our labour andminds to work not our mouth. We have physically shown this project is wanted andsupported. In the scheme of other services provided by Council we have asked little ofCouncil financially and have brought into the Shire substantial funds through grantapplications and outside support for events giving a taste of the potential of the facility.We have asked for no ongoing maintenance funds and have in fact considerablyenhanced a very run down town site and precinct. Because of this arts centre projectwehave encouraged new business to start up and provided for a Men's Shed to be

established at considerable cost to our rental income for our own sustainability.

The Draft Plan concerns me as there seems to be no stimulus projectswith the potentialof direct economic development. We at least are striving to look at the future and how thearts centre can encourage outside income to Shire.

As a rural business land holder the rise in rates is daunting but some of the majorprojectsidentified are necessary for the future. For that fact alone I go along with the ShireOffice/Hall and depot upgrade but feel this is catching only up on what should have beenan ongoing process from when the revamp was done in the 1970's. The provision of a

heated pool as long as it is user pay and kept mainly for learn to swim, lifesaving

2'

education, rehabilitation and the fitness of community members who can not get theirfitness except through a non weight bearing medium such as water is a step forward andwill potentially have economic repercussion for the benefit of the Shire. But I personallydo not require this facility and never will as I have provided for my own requirements.

Please revisit the Draft Plan and find a way to add the Arts Centre projectas a priority for

we do require a lot more funding from Government sources to complete the constructionphase of this project.If we do not gain funding from grant sources we will no choice butto discontinue our building program.

SUGGESTION OF INCLUSION IN DRAFT PLAN

Obviously I respect your decision with the final draft.

1. Infrastructure Section:

What the Community Wants:

Continued Council support for the completion of the Arts Centre Project.

What this means for the Community:

Provision of a facility for the education, performance, exhibition and production of arts

and cultural activity. A positive drive to utilize this facility for economic growth in theShire.

What we are already doing:

Council supports the ongoing construction of the arts centre projectbeing undertaken by

a community based development group through the establishment of a Section 355

Committee of Council.

What will we consider:Council will consider all reasonable proposals put forward by the arts center Works

Manager on behalf of the CCACC Committee for continued construction & development

of the centre.

Performance Indicators:

Completion of the projectand the continued policy of self sustainability in the area of

maintenance of the complex.

2. SERVICE SECTION:What the Community wants:

That Council provides an "artists playing field" for arts recreational activity.

What this means for the Community:

The arts centre programs will be guided by community input and community needs. That

CCACC will always be a volunteer committee sourced from all walks of life within thelocal community. That CCACC will remain a s355 Committee of Council.

. .

3

What are we already doing:Council supports and encourages CCACC to continue to be innovative and proactive in

encouraging the arts.

What will we consider:Council will consider and scrutinize all CCACC programs and community arts objectivesespecially those programs for professional development.

Performance Indicators:Increase in arts activity, expertise, education and understanding. The input from outsidearts professionals who want to utilize the facility for rehearsal and workshop activity.

3. COMMUNITY SECTION

What the Community Wants:

An active arts facility that offers self sustainable arts and cultural education, performanceand recreational choice. Community wants a facility that has a positive economic policygeared towards bringing financial gain to the local economy.Community want a self sustainable Arts Facility that has the ability to boost the economicviability of the Shire.

What this means for the CommunityThis means the strength and convenience of a one stop venue where community memberscan participate in recreational activity of an artistic and cultural nature. Community wantsa facility set up with accredited infrastructure to attract outside professional usage for

rehearsal and performance.

We are already doing:Council supports the community development of an across the boards arts facility

utilizing a historic building complex for the benefit of the entire community.

What will we Consider:Any program that will increase the level of awareness and active participation ofcommunity members in the arts and culturally related activity. Any program that willincrease the level of visiting groups enhancing the opportunities for local arts

participants.

Performance Indicators:

The increase of arts and cultural activity that benefits the community as a whole. Thedevelopment of arts & cultural events that will have a positive impact on the economy ofthe Shire.

As usual I may have overstepped the mark Ken but I am concerned for the future funding

of the center's construction.

4

Thank you for the chance to express our ideas and for the support our project hasreceived to date. I only wish there was more positive economic development initiatives inthe plan and less of the inward looking requests for action by Council. If Communitymembers who wish to see more BBQ in the parks, the provision of bike tracks, upgradetrails to pioneer park lookout and the upgrade of pool grandstand facilities got behindtheir own ideas and worked as the CCACC group does our Shire would have more fundsfor economic development projectsraising the level of income for the Shire.

Thank youBest RegardsIsabel cott

15

The General Manager 7th October, 2010Cootamundra Shire Council Peter GoodwinWallendoon Street 46 John StreetCootamundra NSW 2590 '

Dear Ken,

With reference to Councils proposed rate rise and Councils call for comment, I wish to

put in my two bobs worth.

I am not in favour of a rate rise at this time even if it has been set in concrete. We

should wait a year or three to see the effect of the rising cost of living, power up 60%,

water, food as well as whatever the government thinks up to pay for the EconomicalStimulus Package.

After talking to a few lower income earners and pensioners I can tell you they will bedoing it very tough over the next few years.

Y ithf

20J.A. & D.E. ROBINSON

1ADAMS STREET

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Cootore; 26 March, 2010

The General ManagerRef T

Cootamundra Shire Council 3 0 MAR

Wallendoon Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590 Cop7

To FMAcii;n

Dear Sir

RE: OBJECTION TO PROPOSED RATE INCREASE

We are writing to voice out objection to the proposed rate increased that is currently

being discussed by Council. Our reasons for our objectionsare as follows:

1. Heated Swimming Pool

We are not in favour of a hcated swimmmg pool, as we believe that, even though

the initial construction costs of the pool may be viable, the ongoing costs of a

heated pool would not be. We understand that the pool currently runs at a loss

each year and feel that ratepayers should not be asked to pay an increase in theit

rates to fund a much increased loss as would occur for the maintenance of a

heated pool. We feel that, although there may be a few who are pushing to have

the heated pool, they do not represent the majorityof the population and when

push comes to shove, they would not be prepared to pay the increased cost of

using the pool. As most of the people who would use the heated pool would be

in the older age bracket, probably on pensions or fixed income, they would find it

difficult to find the funds to use the pool on a regular basis. We therefore feel

that within a few years, the pool would become a "white elephant" but would still

need to be maintained at the ratepayer's expense.

2. Town Hall

We are also against the proposal to build a new town halL With the town hall we

now have only used on an infrequent basis, can the cost of a new town hall be

justified?Now that we have the Art Centre with the facilities for performances,

the town hall becomes redundant. If live acts come to town there is always the

auditorium at the Ex-Services & Citizens Club which can accommodate those

functions, and schools have their own halls in which to hold their productions

etc. Therefore what would the function of the new town hall be? We understand

that certain bodies have asked council to improve facilities at the existing town

hall, such as upgrade the kitchen facilities; upgrade toilet facilities and upgrade the

dressing room facilities. If the town hall is only used for a small number of

events requiring the kitchen facilities, couldn't the existing facilities be upgraded

and put in working order, rather than the need for a complete new town hall.

Similarly, the dressing rooms. How often are these used each year. Certainly not2 1

enough to justify the building of a new town hall to house updated dressing

rooms. Surely the toilet facilities cannot be in need of too much updated, as they

were only updated when the current town hall was built, whereas the kitchen anddressing rooms are probably of a much older vintage.

To us it would seem more economical to upgrade what already exists and not

simply demolish the lot and rebuild a new town hall just to modernise. Surely

Australia already demolishes too many of its historic buildings and we will soon

be left with no history whatsoever.

3. Shire Yards.

Again we are not in favour of this proposal. Surely a new workshop can be

erected without the demolition of existing buildings and the current sites remain

in use.

We hope Council will take our objectionson board and feel that there are many more

ratepayers out there who share our views, but sadly are too apathetic to voice their

opimons.

We feel a more thorough way of gauging ratepayer's opinions is to include a

questionnaire with rate notices/water sewerage notices and then council may get a larger

response to their questions.

Yours faithfully

JOHN AND DIANE ROBINSON

22

12 Adams Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

31 March 2010

General Manager

Cootamundra Shire Council

Wallendoon Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Dear Sir

Please find attached our submission opposing the increase of rates to fund a heated

swimming pool and renovations to the Town Hall.

We are happy to discuss this issue with you if you so desire.

We can be contacted by phone on 6942 3943.

Yours sincerely

Rob & Janelle Hassall

23

PROPOSAL BY COOTAMUNDRA SHIRE COUNCIL TO INCREASE RATES TOCOVER COST OF NEW HEATED SWIMMING POOL AND RENOVATIONS TOTHE TOWN HALL

We are opposed to the increase in rates over the next five years and beyond tocover the above "improvements" to Cootamundra's town infrastructure.We have viewed the PowerPoint presentation on the Council's website to obtain as

much information as possible about the changes and the reasons for them. Thisdocument in many ways only confused us more and did not clarify the issues.Many of the graphs etc. used did nothing, even to educated people, to explain whywe need these "improvements", or the impact of the increased rates on individualrates. As well, we have read information and comments in the Cootamundra Herald

about this issue.

In these tough economic times Council should be looking at providing the essentialsthat all the ratepayers require, not at providing the luxuries that it "would be niceto have" but are not essential to the efficient and economically responsible runningof the local shire. They should also be looking at where they can cut costs or

provide services more economically. We as householders operate in this way - we

don't go and buy the extras we would like when we can't afford them!!!

We object to these rate increases on a number of levels:

We do not believe that a town of this size needs the sorts of improvements to theTown Hall that Council wishes to carry out, and that if the changes are made thenthe users of the facilities should pay, not all ratepayers in general. In over 2 yearsof living in Cootamundra we have not had the need to use this facility as an

individual and only once as a member of an organisation for a function held by that

organisation. We found the facilities quite adequate.

In addition, having never used the current swimming pool we cannot see ourselves

using a heated pool, especially given the restricted opening hours, and therefore

object to having to contribute to the provision of this facility for the small numberof people that may do so.

We are on government pensions and had already decided (prior to the issue of rateincreases being raised) to put our property (which we totally own) on the market,in order to downsize and reduce, or at least curtail, the costs of running our home

(electricity, gas, insurance) due to all these costs having increased significantly in

the last 12 months and with more increases to come in the future.

Our rates( as shown on our rate notice) at present are nearly double the averagefigure stated by the Council, our land value has increased at the last revaluation,

and the Council now wishes to add another impost on us by increasing these rates

even further. We are uncertain now as to whether we will even remain in

Cootamundra once we have sold our home - we have begun looking further afieldto make sure that when we buy our next property we will be able to afford the

costs of running our home (including Council rates) well into the future.

24

In addition, what other Council charges (Residential Water Access, Residential

Sewer Access, Domestic Waste Management, Residential Storm Management) are

likely to increase? And will there be an increase in the pensioner rebates? As a

couple on a limited income we need to know these changes well in advance so that

we can budget/ make allowances for them and not be hit with cost increases that

we cannot afford.

Rob & Janelle Hassall

12 Adams Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Phone (02) 6942 3943

31 March 2010

- 7 APR 2018

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Rate Hike Page lofl

ShowHeader

Rate Hike

From : Angelique Deep 'angelique.deep@paljp.org.pg'

To : Adam Barnes 'abarnes@cootamundra.nsw.gov.au';

Sent : 7 April 2010 06:28:16

To whom it may concern,

As a rates payer in Cootamundra, I am opposed at the proposed rates hike to

provide for a heated pool or the beautification of the Muttama Creek currently on

the agenda for the council etc... It cannot be justified, via the population

size, the current usage of the pool we already have (minimal), ongoing expense

and upkeep of such, this has been tried and failed in other such shires.

As a rate payer I wish to stress that the importance of a heated pool is very low

on a list of priorities that is required for the utilisation of rates monies and

I am sure Cootamundra has better opportunities instead of promoting such useless

ideas. Rates would be better afforded in promoting potential businesses to

establish in the area however this would not require a rate hike either.

Come on Cootamundra, promote better ideas than this for all our well earned money

that you receive as rates, each year, and show us some more tangible results,

than whimsical fanfare.

Regards

Concerned rate payerAngelique Deep

http://infoxpert/InfoRouter/docs/Records/Rates%20and%20Valuations/Fees%20and%2... 7/04/2010

" Corang"

Wallendbeen

NSW 2588

April 7, 2010

The General Manager

Cootamudra Shire Council

PO Box 420

Cootamundra

NSW 2590

Dear Sir

My husband and I wish to support Mr Peter McClintock and Mr IrwinHenniker in their concerns published in the Cootamundra Herald about theproposed compounded rate rises to fund unrealistic ambitions forCootamundra.

The rural ratepayers of this shire have suffered a decade of drought andwould suffer further financial stress if your proposals proceed.

With power bills already raised and electricity costs set to rise frighteningly

<higher, pensioners and low income families will already be forced to survivewith serious concerns about the costs of electricity they need, just to keepwarm in winter, without the worry of further rate increases.

As for a heated pool, which would only be used by a very small percentageof shire residents, at an enormous cost to all ratepayers, it would be a noose

around Council's neck for many years to come.

Yours faithfully

Colleen Hines (Mrs G.P.)

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Cootamundra NSW 2590.9 April 2010

The General Manager

Cootamundra Shire CouncilWallendoon StCootamundra 2590

Dear Sir,

Proposed Rates Increase to Fund Infrastructure.

I would be pleased if you would put this letter before Council when this issue isdiscussed.

A poll on any issue can give any result the pollster wants if the questions lack

objectivityand context. A poll of property owners in our Shire on the question "Are

you willing to pay more rates?" would probably bring a 100% "No" result. If the

question is instead "The town's water and sewage service will fail unless repaired.Are you willing to pay more rates to fund repairs?" would probably bring a 100%"Yes" result.

It is my view the question of rate increases must be asked in the context of the town's

future. If we do nothing the town will decline. The consequences will be falling

property values, less amenities and services, declining population, business failure for

want of patronage, substantial increase in vandalism and crime, and ultimatelycomplete irrelevance, whilst Young, Temora, Gundagai and Junee surge ahead.

Alternatively, if we get on the front foot and get ourselves up to speed we have a

future, even if we presently do have to bear a bit of financial pain.

If we want to be losers, doing nothing is the best way of going about it. No-one backsa loser.

Yours faithfully

David Hain

33 Ursula StCOOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

12 April 2010

Mr K TretheweyGeneral Manager

Cootamundra Shire CouncilCOOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

Dear Mr Trewethey

In reference to Council's proposal to apply for a rate increase, I have attended two

community consultations and read the documentation provided.

The main purpose of the rate rise I understand is due to escalating costs of regularmaintenance and preservation of existing infrastructure and assets, all of which is

vital.

Secondly, in general most of the projectedcapital works would benefit presentresidents and future generations and address areas of concern.

Installation of a heated swimming pool, due to necessary cost of operation including

electricity, management and viability could require further investigation.

I would be pleased for this communication to be tabled at the forthcoming meeting ofCootamundra Shire Council.

Yours faithfully

Beryl E Ingold

.1,Scott Ave

CootamundraNSW 2590

The General ManagerCootamundra Shire CouncilWallendoon St.Cootamundra NSW 2590

6th April 2010

Dear Sir,

Re: proposed rates increase

I am writing to express our concern regarding the proposed large rateincreases and wish to make the following points:

? Cootamundra Council has not consulted with an adequate percentage ofthe community. 750 letters were forwarded to residents. This representsless than 10% of the population. We, and many other residents did notreceive a letter.

? The proposed heated swimming pool desired by a minority of thecommunity will not be a viable commercial project. This has been the

experience of e.g. Junee Shire who incur a huge loss per year.? The plan to amalgamate the Shire depots is surely not for example a

tourism attracting move, or in any way an income generating proposaltherefore only for the benefit of council itself, and at the proposed cost of$2.5 million, the outcome is yet to be proved to warrant such a great cost.

? The planned improvements to the Shire Council offices and meeting room

at $4.5 million will provide the benefit of better access for residents withreduced mobility to attend council meetings but at very expensive cost.How can rate payers be assured that the estimated costs will not blow outas was the case with the upgrade of Parker St. ?

? There are rate payers of Cootamundra who have much less capacity to

pay the proposed compounding 8% rate increase than we do, and at thesame time as a community, we all face the cost of a 64% increase in

electricity, over the next 3 years.? The Cootamundra rural rate payers have experienced almost a decade of

drought, and they are now being asked to absorb a huge hike in theirrates. Did Council really consult with them ?

So in summary, we ask very relevant questions; will the large rate increase

really benefit the majorityof the Cootamundra rate payers ? Are theseimprovements income generating? Will the plans attract tourism? Will theybring business into the town? Will they improve the viability of the

community? Will they assist the community to combat the cost of climatechange?In conversations with many people in recent days, two things are apparent:Most people have little knowledge and understanding of the proposed rate

changes; and during discussion all are expressing doubt that the benefits willbe worth the cost for the community.So we ask Cootamundra Council to consult more fully with the communitythey serve and to seek and involve the majorityconsensus in planningimprovements and the resultant cost for the rate payers.

Can you please forward this letter to State Govt. with your application for therate increase.

Yours sincerely,

Lin and Malcolm Chaplin

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Elizabeth Bennett

67 Parker StreetCOOTAMUNDRA

Dear Editor

When you get 'done over', you feel stressed. It is out of this stress that I write to you concerningCouncil's proposed rate increase for these majorprojects.

When the survey listed all the many and varied projectsthe Council had in operation no wherewas it suggested that any increase in rates would approximate to 25% to 47%. Most ratepayershistorically have paid in single digit increments.

No where in this survey did we get public toilets in our CBD, those came from the stimulus.The survey was commenced before the full impacts of this financial crisis appeared. It seemedthe sky was the limit, except for the public toilets. In fact one had to write in what else was

needed.

I now refer to Brian Dollery's Inquiry into the Financial Sustainability of NSW Local

Government. Simply it is not sustainable. The funding base is too narrow and when councils fail

it is by dissolution caused by corrupt administration and conflicted elected bodies.

Essentially, higher tiers of government must help financially, therefore long-term financial

sustainability is not feasible.

Now, Concillors are demanding pay rises upwards of 70%! (#&!#) The Local Government

Association of NSW made this request in a 15 page submission lodged this month. In rural areas

this is $25,000 representing a pay rise between 18 to 70 per cent. All this they justify and a

decision is expected by May 1.

Go figure.

Yours ever,

Liz Bennett

CouncillorsCootamundra Shire CouncilWallendoon Street

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

12thApril 2010.

Dear Councillors,

Re: Community Strateqlc Plan,

It is with interest that I have been following the process and progress of the

local community strategic plan of your council, mainly through the local press

and word of mouth.

I would like to make a few comments:

1. Finish what has been started.

I believe that some projects that are in progress have been left off the future

plan. I also believe that unless theses projects are inc\uded in the plan then

those projects' chances of state government grants are severely hindered.

In particular, the council owned Arts Centre is still a work in progress. It still

needs government funding to be completed. It is not in your plan.

Last Thursday I attended a high class concert at the Arts Centre. It was

attended by 8 to 80 year olds and was enjoyed by all. It was also attended by

people from outside your shire. The performers were Australia's best at their

passion. The Arts Centre continually attracts performers and artists that are

tops in Austra\ia and some are world renown.

When was the last time an Ian Thorpe swam in our pool, a Ricky Ponting

batted on our cricket pitch, a Leyton Hewitt played on our tennis court, or

a Billy Slater ran onto our footy field? Finish the Art Centre and we will attract

more Australian & world renown talent to Coota.

We have a partly completed project that needs continuing Council support

and inclusion in the plan.

2. Heated Pool.

Junee has an underutilised heated pool, Harden has an underutilised

hydrotherapy pool - both examples should be warnings to your Council.

Can I suggest you "test the water" so to speak & for a small cost compared to

the go ahead option why not contract a free courtesy bus for the local

residents & for say three months, especially over the coming winter, provide a

free service to both facilities on a daily basis and see what patronage the

service pulls (l would be happy to discuss this further).

3. Council Offices refurbishment

After 40 years it makes sense that Council offices need refurbishing. Whether

the town and civic halls do i am not convinced. There are plenty of

alternative venues in town that can handle most functions. In the future justhow many times will the town hall really get used?

I wish the Councillors luck in their endeavours to get the p\an right.

Yours faithfully,

Micha ey4

Page 1 of 1

Show Header

Rate Hike

From : Sandy Biddulph 'biddulphrc@westnet.com.au'

To : Adam Barnes 'abarnes@cootamundra.nsw.gov.au';

Sent : 8 April 2010 22:29:15

Dear SirI am in agreement with the proposed rate increase for the proposed capital works in the shire.Sandy Biddulph

Biddulph Rural ConsultingPO Box 300CootamundraNSW 259002 69 42630002 69 426311 F0429 914 579 M

biddulphrc@westnet.com.au

http://infoxpert/InfoRouter/docs/Records/Rates%20and%20Valuations/Fees%20and%... 13/04/2010

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