FAQ’s

Who are the Ratepayers of Port Phillip (RoPP)?

We are a community group in the City of Port Phillip who are passionate about our city and are concerned about the burden of rates on our cost of living. Our frustration stems from significant rate increases year-on-year when the Council wastes millions on projects not in keeping with their core responsibilities to our community. We are committed to maintaining the heritage character and vibrant lifestyle of the Port Phillip municipality, and we are not aligned to any political parties. Ratepayers of Port Phillip sit under the umbrella organisation Ratepayers Victoria.

Why does RoPP exist?

Our mission is to make the City of Port Phillip better meet the needs of residents, ratepayers and local businesses by making rates sustainable and ensuring sensible community-focused decisions.

What does RoPP stand for?

We would like to see:

• Reductions in council rates to more sustainable levels.
• Empowered residents, ratepayers and local businesses with a voice to speak to council about issues of importance to them.
• A council that develops policy and determines expenditure based on the whole community’s interest, not on political party ideology, vested interests, or by allowing council officers to make dominate decision-making due to a policy vacuum.
• Fiscal responsibility in the council budget with precious ratepayer funds being used mainly for core council responsibilities and to honour social responsibilities based on community standards and expectations.
• Core services, which the community reasonably expects from council, being improved.
• Funding of new infrastructure (e.g. Fisherman’s Bend) by state government and developers rather than rates revenue.
• Duplication of spending on services that are not a statutory obligation of local government stop.

Who funds RoPP?

We are funded by small donations from like-minded residents and ratepayers who to put our community first. We do not receive funding from any political parties. This makes us independent, unlike many of the current councillors, who receive funding and support from the major political parties. . We do not represent nor are we aligned with any political parties. There are many hands reaching into council’s pockets and some will stop at nothing to protect their own interests and keep the money flowing.

How can RoPP make a difference?

RoPP have tried to encourage councillors to put our community first and vote in the best interests of ratepayers for many years with very little success. In order to effect change, we needed to elect independent councillors who care about residents and ratepayers, not the myriad of self-interested parties always looking for council subsidies. We will support independent Councillors and future candidates who represent the community, and not those who only represent themselves, political parties and narrow vested interest groups. We would like to see rates reduced to more sustainable levels in line with neighbouring councils.

Who runs RoPP?

RoPP is run by a volunteer committee who meet on a regular basis. You can see our profiles on the RoPP website. We have a diverse range of views and support different political parties spanning Labour, Liberal, Green and Independent. The one thing we do agree on is that we need a better deal for residents and ratepayers in the City of Port Phillip. We want Councillors to act in the best interests of our community and we do not see a place for party politics in local government.

How can I help?

Tell your family, friends and colleagues who live in the City of Port Phillip about RoPP and encourage them to vote at the next election for a candidate who will represent all of our interests. We also need funds to get the word out, so if you can, please donate through our website.

I’ve heard some rumours that…

RoPP only represents rich people who have expensive property

This is simply not true. Port Phillip residents pay up to 55% more in rates and charges per person, compared to neighbouring councils. Rates and charges push up rents and owner costs and therefore affect all residents. Many people living in their family home have seen their rates increase significantly, even though they may not have substantial income to pay their rates. Some pensioners have been forced to reverse mortgage their properties to pay their rates.

RoPP just wants to get rid of the homeless and destroy social housing

RoPP supports social housing, both from a social equity and a community safety point of view. We strongly support council contributing to housing for Port Phillip homeless who have fallen on hard times, but we do not support Port Phillip becoming a major provider for social housing for all Victorians. We expect other municipalities will share that responsibility under the leadership of the state government. A distinction needs to be made between the homeless, who we must help, and those that choose to live on the streets. Community safety has been neglected in recent years. We think a balance must be restored ensuring the community is and feels safe in our City, whilst still being a compassionate society and assisting with social housing. 

RoPP wants to gentrify the suburbs, particularly St Kilda

RoPP strongly supports a vibrant, diverse and strong St Kilda where community safety is paramount, but the character is preserved. We oppose overdevelopment and development where the unique character of our municipality is not preserved. We object to recent Council decision that have approved of developments which have destroyed iconic and heritage buildings.