Special Rate Variation Community Engagement Report - Shoalhaven City Council

2.5.2 Motivations to pay higher rates, usage fees and charges
The respondents stated their agreement levels to a list of motivations to pay higher rates,
usage fees and charges. The list contained two types of motivations. The first set of
motivations reflected the relational reasons for paying higher rates including, community
priorities and the Council’s responsibilities to the community (Figure 8). The results showed
that the residents would pay higher rates, usage fees and charges, if the community has a say
in the way the money is spent (6.6). Residents also made it clear that they would be willing to
pay higher rates, if the extra money is spent on the community priorities (6.5), management
of Shoalhaven’s natural environment (6.2) and the operations of Council in a more
sustainable way (6.1). The Council’s financial sustainability (5.4), implementation of
strategic objectives (5.1) and provision of inclusive facilities (4.8) were not stated as strong
motivators.
Figure 8. Relational motivations to pay higher rates, usage fees and charges
I am willing to pay higher rates, usage fees and charges if it is going to
Disagree (0 - 4) Neutral (5) Agree (6 - 10)
Average
The community has a say in the way the money is spent
20%
17%
63%
6.6
… be spent on the communities’ priorities
21%
9%
70%
6.5
... help Council manage Shoalhaven's natural environment
22%
15%
63%
6.2
.. help Council to operate in a more sustainable way
23%
15%
61%
6.1
.. help Council to be financially sustainable
33%
16%
52%
5.4
.. help Council implement its strategic objectives
30%
27%
43%
5.1
… enable Council to provide more inclusive facilities
41%
16%
44%
4.8
Base: All respondents (n = 405)
16