At a special council meeting on 23 June 2025, three councillors—Beti Jay, Rod Hardy, and Deputy Mayor Bryan Mears—took a principled stand and voted NO to Council’s proposed increase in rates and charges.

We extend our sincere thanks to these councillors for championing ratepayers and small businesses by rejecting another hike in costs and standing firm against wasteful spending. Their vote reflects what so many in our community are asking: Where is the value in the $286 million Council expects to raise this year?

Unfortunately, a majority of councillors chose to support continued growth of Council’s bureaucracy—despite growing concerns from the public. It’s time to ask: Are residents and businesses truly receiving $286 million worth of services?

There is another way forward.
Instead of turning again to ratepayers’ pockets, Council could—and should—look within. Sensible fiscal alternatives include:

• A staff hiring freeze
• Efficiency savings
• Reviewing or reducing non-core activities

Strong leadership means managing expenses—not just increasing revenue.

While the State Government’s 3% rate cap is in place, Council’s overall revenue is still forecast to jump by 5.6%. That increase is driven in part by:

• Parking fines rising 7.7%
• Waste charges jumping 13.0%

See table below

These increases go well beyond inflation—and hit everyday residents the hardest.

It’s time for a new approach. One that respects the burden on our community, delivers real value, and puts spending under the same scrutiny as revenue.

We thank Beti, Rod, and Bryan for setting an example of the leadership Port Phillip deserves.

We strongly object to Council’s decision to increase spending by 5.6%—well above the anticipated inflation rate of 3.0%.

At a time when families and businesses are tightening their belts, Council should be doing the same.

As ratepayers and business owners, we have to ask: Are we truly getting value for money?

It’s time for smarter spending, greater accountability, and leadership that puts the community first.