Many Port Douglas property owners were shocked to discover their half yearly rates notice had increased by up to five times the average announced by Council last week.

In an announcement made as notices were being delivered, Council said two-thirds of the 79,000 rates assessments would rise by the average 3.7 per cent or less.

But one resident who chose to remain anonymous was disgusted by what he describes as Council's "cash-grab."

"I own a two bedroom unit and my rates went up by $200 in the past six months. That's about 15% since February. If Council thinks Port's property prices have increased by that much no wonder people want to get rid of them.

"We're being forced to pay double the rates of most other Council areas around Australia and for what? We don't get anything for it other than our bins collected.

"I've got friends from outside the region who live in four bedroom houses worth half a million dollars and they're paying $1200.

"It's time Council justified their rate charges."

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The Newsport contacted a real estate agent from Torquay, a tourist-reliant town 20 minutes from Victorian regional city Geelong, to see what rate charges apply to a variety of properties.

A $700,000 two bedroom, two bathroom apartment mintues from the beach has associated Council rate costs of $1436 per year.

A three bedroom, two bathroom, one study home values at $450,000 would expect to pay around $1600 per year.

In Noosa, rate charges fluctuate wildly. One $400,000 two bedroom, two bathroom property with water views is charged around $2900 per year, while a $1.65 million home on five acres, ten minutes from town pays just $1200.

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning defended the rate rise in the lead up to the distribution of notices.

“We have worked hard to keep the rate increase as low as possible, recognising that people everywhere are doing it tough. This includes adopting a deficit budget,” Cr Manning said.

“Individual ratepayers will be impacted by the results of the most recent land valuations. As a result, there will be some property owners whose rates will increase by more than the average.”

However, those looking for rates relief through deamalgamation may be disappointed. Michael Gabour, Spokesperson for the Friends Of Douglas Shire - the group leading the charge to deamalgamate from Cairns Regional Council, told The Newsport it was unlikely there would be a reduction in rates under a re-formed Douglas Shire Council.

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