OPINION: With a voice Warwick can set its own path forward
TODAY is crunch time for Southern Downs Regional Council as it votes on a raft of proposed new higher infrastructure charges.
We asked our online readers yesterday did they think our councillors should vote against much higher infrastructure fees today and the result was a resounding 75% against the charges.
The mood was that higher fees would drive development and new money out of town - particularly to Toowoomba which has a more developer-friendly position that seems to be a growth magnet.
Another said that raising charges meant that developers who stand to make money pay accordingly.
Tourist operator Yves Stocks felt compelled to pen a letter to the paper, focussing on the Toowoomba council's payments honeymoon to developers and pointing out that a tourism levy should not be faced by all ratepayers.
She said the council needed to do more to welcome new business and make it easier for them to deal with the council.
During this debate it has become obvious many ratepayers have many grievances and these are being placed at the feet of the incumbent council.
Warwick finally has found its voice ... and it is this voice that holds the key to resolving issues and enabling a forward path that can benefit the entire community.
