BILL WATERHOUSE: Many of our staff drive to work and their car is an essential part of conducting business. While they and other staff are in town they do a bit of shopping and use the services of many businesses throughout the CBD. We add our little bit to the inner city vibrancy.
It costs us about $40,000 in parking costs annually and those costs are determined in a competitive market so we accept that cost. But now it seems the council wants to tax all sorts of things. The carpark tax, parlklet tax ( that will cost more to administer than the revenue it delivers) parkland maintenance recoveries and various other impositions on positive initiatives and essentials are bureaucratic overkill.
I suppose we could decentralise our people, relocate to cheaper accommodation , where there is inexpensive carparking, and no council taxes. But that’s not really the answer. What we need is a clear focus on positive initiatives and for council to focus on the provision of good governance and positive strategy.
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Seriously, who really thinks traffic congestion in a city like Adelaide is a problem? Congestion is a product of life and vibrancy in the city and is a positive symptom of a busy economy. Busy places attract more people and more activity. Adelaide’s congestion, if you could call it that, only lasts for about 15 minutes at the beginning and the end of each day anyway.In a broad sense congestion has a way of sorting itself out without the taxation mindset and influence of a few elected city dwellers who have too much time on their hands.
Next it will be a tax on street smokers, trash bin plunderers, joggers, A-frame signs, parkland picnickers, fitness groups, Lycra wearing cyclists, and a toll on those that enter the mall.
The constant babble and distraction on minor matters coming from the city council and the odd ” been there too long ” councillor on so many things is boring, lacks proper vision and just plain annoying. I think it would be a good plan for the council to concentrate on encouraging the positive use of the city and its facilities, cutting their own costs and not taxing people who just want to get on with business.
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