MidCoast Council's decision to stand by its policy to charge some ratepayers for extra water usage during following year's bushfires has had a mixed reaction from residents.
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Some residents believed the amount of water needed to be used to qualify for a reduction on their bill was too high.
Failford resident, Jeff Faulder, believes the $143.12 excess water charge is unfair.
His property on Blackbutt Drive was considered at risk during the week-long state of emergency declared in November.
Preparing for the potential fire threat, Mr Faulder set up drums of water around his property to fight spot fires, filled the gutters of his house with water, wet everything down and clean up around his property as best he could.
I'd be happy to pay the extra money for water use if it meant it could go back into my own house, Melinda Orchard posted on the Great Lakes Advocate Facebook page.
"Some people don't have that luxury. So, where do you think the funds come from to fix the damaged roads, clearing them of debris, replacement signs for safety, fences, railings all to keep us safe," she said.
Everyone is hurting because of this and it will take time to move on. Unfortunately it will a cost, whether the be money or property it's still a loss.
"I'm sure council would take payment instalments if funds are short. Just grateful to have a community still here. Some are less fortunate."
Kellie Robertson agreed: "$143 dollars, is that all he used extra to defend his home?"
"I believe this isn't worth a rebate if that's all it took to save his home.
"I'd happily paid a $1000 water bill, $600 dollars more than our usual bill to keep our home safe in Rainbow Flat
"Sometimes life sucks and you have to be responsible for our own bad luck."
However, Suzie Robertson disagreed with council's decision.
"Any homeowner that was in the direct line of these fires should be eligible no matter how much water they used to protect their property; heartless really."
So, senior staff are ignoring a resolution voted 10/0 as a directive by councillors, Katrina Stanfield posted, while Chris Dod posted: MidCoast Council are a disgrace and out of touch with the community.
Unconstitutional MidCoast Council at it yet again, Sharon Hughes posted.
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