A website dedicated to the Clarence Valley Council’s consideration of a possible special rate variation application is now up and running. Council’s acting general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said the site was accessible via a link at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au or by going direct to www.clarenceconversations.com.au/your-say-on-rates “Council is seeking the views of the community on a proposal that could result in an increase in the ordinary rate of about 4.3% above 2016/17 levels,” he said. “The current 6.5% Special Rate Variation (SRV) expires on June 30, 2017. The proposal council is now considering is to apply for a 9% SRV starting July 1, 2017, which, if approved, would allow council to retain the one-off 6.5% plus levy an estimated rate peg increase of 2.5% for 2017/18. “This 9% SRV would be retained permanently in council’s rate income. “If council does not make application for an SRV, its general rate income for 2017/18 will fall by about $588,000, which equates to an average 2.3% reduction in the general rate for ratepayers.” Information about the proposal was due to be delivered to all residents last week. A random phone survey of 500 residents is also to be undertaken. More information is available at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au or at council offices. Community information meetings will be held at the council chambers in Grafton at 5.30pm on Tuesday, November 22, and at 5.30pm in the council chambers in Maclean on Wednesday, November 23. People can make submissions by emailing council@clarence.nsw.gov.au writing to Clarence Valley Council, Locked Bag 23, Grafton, 2460 or a survey is available at www.clarence.nsw.gov.au Submissions close at 4pm on Friday, November 25.