Frank gets frank about the rates - FULL ARTICLE

Excerpt from Sumpton’s Gold Rush Gazette - Friday 8th of March 2024

Charters Towers Regional Mayoral Candidate and incumbent Frank Beveridge posted a graphic to social media highlighting rate rises over around an eight-year span.

In the caption for the social media post which accompanied the chart, Mr Beveridge encouraged locals to make their own decisions after reviewing the numbers.

“There has been a lot of discussion about Rates,” the post read.

“So here are the numbers for you to compare for yourself.

“The previous term being suggested as a 'Low' rate period is in grey and the current council term is below in blue.

“As you can see my time as Mayor has seen the rates remain at CPI or below, unlike the previous term.”

The post created a buzz in the local online community, with 42 comments being left underneath the post.

“What category are you basing these rate rises on Frank?” One commenter asked.

“Because Category 15 Rural Land went up by nearly 12% last year alone,” The commenter added.

Mr Beveridge was willing to answer questions thrown his way online though as Facebook comments.

“This is the average general rate increase that is presented on the budget snapshot each year,” Mr Beveridge responded.

“Otherwise listed as the total gross levies,” he added.

(Graphic provided by Mayoral Candidate Frank Beveridge)