BUNDABERG Regional Council has hit back at farmers protesting average 45 per cent rates rises across the shire, accusing Canegrowers and AgForce of peddling false information.
In a statement issued to Queensland Country Life, BRC said it had had budgeted for a $5.1 million deficit because of COVID-related revenue reductions.
"This would have been close to $8 million if Canegrowers and AgForce had their way, or urban ratepayers would have had to subsidise their valuation increases," the statement reads.
"We understand the (farmer) consortium is spending thousands of dollars to oppose council, including paid advertisements and a media consultant.
"We'd prefer to be working with peak bodies in the farm sector to jointly highlight important issues during the state election campaign, such as water security and the future of Paradise Dam."
However, the four Bundaberg region farm groups, which also includes Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers, say the region's 1976 agricultural ratepayers want Mayor Jack Dempsey and his councillors to listen to reason.
"But instead of sitting down with Bundaberg farmers and having an informed discussion, council has chosen the path of self-serving opinion pieces," AgForce representative Tom Marland said.
"Bundaberg farmers don't want a war with their elected local council, but Jack Dempsey's opinion piece only throws petrol on an already raging cane fire."
Mr Marland said it was clear farmers were being treated unfairly, and the rate rises had not been justified.
"The mayor states that valuations increased by an average of 46pc, which is the same as the rates increases," Mr Marland said.
"While the average valuation increase across the Bundaberg region might be 46pc, for the farmer copping a 100pc, 150pc or in some cases 235pc increase, averages are hardly comforting."
Mr Marland said the rates of more than 200 farmers had more than doubled, including 64 seeing a 90pc increase, 125 up 80pc, and 167 having a 70pc increase.
"Budgets, averages and self-serving statements do nothing to preserve an already under-represented segment of the Bundaberg community who work hard every day to underpin the entire Bundaberg economy," Mr Marland said. "Farmers don't want to have a fight with council. They just want some common sense and due process."
$40,000 rates bill
Bullyard farmer Lee-Ann Clark said the dramatic increase in rates had caused shock and confusion.
"As a family business, I have calculated the recent rate notices as a total of close to $40,000 to pay for the year. I am at a loss to understand how this is justified," Mrs Clark said.
"How can our small business sustain this increase long term?
"Farming enterprises are the bedrock of the local economy. We employ people, we create export dollars to the community, and we support local businesses.
"It is well understood that when the farmers stop spending everything goes quiet economically. It is my view this decision will slow spending from farmers."
Bundaberg Canegrowers director Dean Cayley said increased land values did not tens of thousands of local jobs relied on agriculture.
"You have to wonder what game is being played here at a time when farmers and the whole community is facing hardship: drought, water security issues, exorbitant power prices, COVID and unemployment of 17pc," Mr Cayley said.
"This decision to deliver a massive rates hike is driving a wrecking ball through our economy. It can and must be fixed."
