A RECENT meeting of discontented farmers and councillors to discuss Moorabool rate increases was more about “information sharing” than preparing a plan for action, says Balliang East farmer Chris Sharkey.
Mr Sharkey owns a 404ha farm on the border of Moorabool and Greater Geelong and pays rates to both municipalities.
Last financial year he paid $15,000 to Moorabool shire. “We each said our side of the story; they can’t afford to lower [rates]; we can’t afford to pay it.”
Mr Sharkey hopes a public meeting on the issue at Ballan Mechanics Hall from 7pm on July 22 will bring together farmers from different areas.
