I live in St Kilda and have for over 26 years. I support the 2.8% rate increase, but I would have preferred it if it was a 0% increase, as the City of Port Phillip has a surplus of $8.5 million.

We are lucky enough to own a house (well the bank owns it) and we, like most people, are paying it off.  

The increasing of council rates is placing a financial burden on residents, especially those with a fixed or limited income.  Many individuals already face a high cost of living due to factors such as inflation and increasing utility bills.  Increasing the council rates can contribute to the overall cost of living, making it more challenging for people to manage their everyday expenses.

Many households are already facing rising costs in food, education, electricity, and amenities.  If the council rates do go up more than 2.8%, this adds to the overall cost of living, which is challenging for people on tight budgets.  

Some residents may argue that if the rates don’t increase there will be a slashing of funds to the arts and essential services.  I don't believe that anyone is asking for the arts or essential services to be cut, funding needs to be spent more efficiently.  I have been on many community engagements with CoPP workshops, and it seems to be run by a lot of consultants.  The CoPP have great staff and they themselves should be running these workshops, it should be run in-house, there is a saving right there.  

I work for the Department of Education, and I am personally seeing work colleagues seeking extra work, mortgages have doubled and it's a struggle, a real struggle.  I have friends that are single, mothers and fathers that are single and families, we are all struggling.  Just because you own a flat, apartment or house, doesn't mean you're wealthy!

I know that we have to pay rates and we all have to, but I am asking that the City of Port Phillip just slow down and give us a break.  $100 may not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me and others.