East Gippslanders are invited to share their views on council rates and charges as part of an independent review into Victoria’s current local government rating system.

A community consultation session is being held in Bairnsdale at the council chambers, from 7pm on Thursday, October 3.

This feedback will form the basis of the Local Government Rating System Review, an independent three-person panel which is reviewing the current system.

The panel is chaired by former chief executive officer of the Melbourne City Council, Royal Children’s and Royal Women’s hospitals, Dr Kathy Alexander, who said: “We are almost halfway through our three-month consultation period and so far these sessions have given us valuable information about what people think of the rating system”.

“Gippsland communities can provide critical insight into how the application of rates affect them and help identify where the rating system can be improved or strengthened,” Dr Alexander said.

“The Review’s Discussion Paper covered key issues around the many rate exemptions, discounts and rating practices by councils. We want to hear from community members and businesses about their experience with rates, along with any issues we may not have covered.

“At each stop we’ve heard different points of view from community members in regional cities like Geelong, Mildura, Bendigo and Warrnambool, as well other parts of western Victoria. More than a thousand people have also provided feedback online.

“The panel is accepting written submissions and will be holding public hearings in Melbourne in November.

“Local government rates will total over $6 billion this year, so it is essential to ensure the fairness and equity of the system that supports our local government services and infrastructure.

“It is important that this review is done right and we’re expecting to be able to share our findings with the Minister for Local Government by March 2020.

“The Fair Go rate cap will not be covered in this review and will be separately reviewed by 2021.”