On Wednesday night at Queanbeyan City Council's ordinary meeting, it was agreed that permission for a Special Rate Variation of 5.8 per cent, on top of the 3.5 per cent already pegged, would be sought from the NSW Minister for Local Government, provided there was public support.

Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall said, ``Nobody likes the prospect of rate increases. However, the alternative is devastating.

``Without good maintenance many of the assets will require complete replacement, which is a very expensive prospect.

``For an average cost of 99 cents per week we can extend the life of many of our assets and maintain the lifestyle we so value and ultimately keep costs down for the ratepayers.''

The council has blamed the global financial crisis and the neglect of maintenance in the past for the ``modest'' rate hike.

General manager Gary Chapman warned that without an immediate rate increase to boost the nominal income of the council, it might have trouble recovering in the medium to long term.

``Over a number of years council hasn't been spending enough money on its assets to keep them in good shape,'' he said.

For the full story, please see Friday's Queanbeyan Age, available from our front office on Monaro Street, or at newsagencies and supermarkets across the Queanbeyan region.