As a resident of Darwin since 1987, I have faithfully paid Council rates on time and largely without quibble for many years. The ‘three R’s’ that were traditionally tied as responsibilities to Councils—rates = roads and rubbish—have always been uppermost in my mind. 

Our Council deserves plaudits for the way waste management is handled. Shoal Bay generally works like a well-oiled machine. Sadly, the same cannot be said about our suburban roads, including roadside tree maintenance and attention to verges.  Patching potholes and replacing small footpath sections are all that seems to  happen. 

A disproportionate amount of rate contributions are spent on upgrades and refurbishments in Darwin’s  CBD. It would be interesting to know the outcome of a survey, if developed, on the priorities ratepayers feel to be the most necessary – and most overlooked.