By Staff Writer
 
The Local Government and Shires Association of NSW has welcomed the State Government’s decision to increase the rate variations for 28 councils for the 2007/08 financial year.

The rate increases are crucial to ensuring NSW communities have access to an adequate level of services and facilities, said president of the Local Government Association of NSW Genia McCaffery.

"It is well known many councils in NSW are struggling financially and facing crippling infrastructure back logs," she said.
"This financial crisis is having an impact on councils’ ability to maintain and meet demand for improved and new services and facilities for their residents.
"Rate pegging in NSW hampers councils’ ability to set rates according to local needs, but special variations at least allow them to source some revenue for crucial local projects."