Another media lie

Yesterday the MSM outlets began to report that Brisbane rates would go up to pay the $400M plus bill to repair the damage from flooding in Brisbane. This was on many of the TV stations, repeated in the news.

This was a lie, Campbell Newman said that he wanted to find the money from what they had and by cutting projects already mooted.

Brisbane rates are rising in line with the CPI (shame my rates don't rise in line with the CPI, but above it!).

Today's reports I can google are saying that Brisbane rates won't rise due to the floods.

I'm sure other people would have heard that media lie.

If you don't like the news, or if there isn't any, just make some up!

Queensland land valuations rip off backdown

As I stirred from slumber thismorning, the news was talking about an extraordinary number of changes to a bill in parliament....

I do believe it's this one...

One sound bite described it as a blatant grab for revenue.

The plan of the Qld ALP was to value land on goodwill and commercial value, not unimproved land value. Of course, the local government Association backs the change - they'll be raking in the land rates, no matter what the value of my land, my rates always rise each year. Usually around 10% (and the rates have risen a further $350 or so with the council amalgamation which was slimy Beattie's parting gift. Rate rises are capped in Sydney to, I think, 2.5%, or an amount which uses the inflation rate as a base (well, it's good for something then!).

There was quite a bit of opposition.

Bligh has backed down. Press release.