Ray Bell and Selina Venier
A focus of many of the protesters outside SDRC chambers on August 26 was the question, “What are we paying for?”
This question and more was aired on Channel 7 News that evening, with one of the most outspoken protestors being Warwick-based Real Estate Agent, Helen Harm.
Ms Harm was instrumental in ensuring that the protest went ahead following her chairing of a meeting in Warwick Town Hall on August 5 and 1,000 signatures of support gained in a petition against council's NPPR (Non Principal Place of Residence) decision.
Speaking to our newspaper after the protest, Ms Harm had more questions than answers, telling us she is "wondering why councillors are paid top dollar if decisions (like the NPPR) are directed to the CEO?"
Ms Harm remains vocal and committed to the cause of "fairness".
"I know one developer who won't come here anymore, as it's too expensive," she said. "(And) people are moving away as rentals are too high. This has a flow on effect, that kids leave schools and the smaller schools can close down."
Our newspaper also spoke to Dave West who has a number of vacant blocks, as he looks towards retirement.
“This extra charge means I won’t be able to retire and I’m going to have to start selling off blocks of land," he said.
The resident's thoughts were echoed by Dave Broadhurst, the owner of a number of rental properties around Warwick, telling us he "met one tenant... (and) he immediately asked if I was putting up his rent."
“We’re already paying higher rates under this council than we would in other area and they’re asking us for still more," Mr Broadhurst said.
A statement from council is that they have a ‘User Pays’ policy, but the protesters said that this levy introduces a strong ‘Non-User Pays More’ element to their budgeting.
Those who’ve bought an investment property with no council services consider their annual rates notice and "wonder how many years the council has been collecting rates and providing nothing at all, not even a graded gravel road past their block".
For others, the surprise of learning if they’re in the same position as John Pickering and Angela O’Toole of Silverwood – wondering how far their pension will stretch to allow them to not wear the extra charge.
Peter Salata had one simple statement - “Sack the Mayor Now,” verbalised and on a sign.
