BOARD members of the Whitsunday Ratepayers Association will be taking their concerns to the Council's Community Plan consultation next Tuesday.

Chairman Adrian Abrahams, treasurer Ross Plowman and secretary Tony Moscato said they felt the consultation would be another opportunity to make their message clear to Council.

The association, which currently has more than 280 members, is fighting for “fair and equitable rates” and are concerned rates have increased significantly in the past two years.

Mr Moscato said the rate increases did not translate into more or improved services.

He said the consequences of high rates, poor facilities and services meant the area was suffering.

“This downward spiral will continue unless rates are pegged, facilities are improved, ratepayers are consulted on spending priorities [and] the budget development process should include direct consultation with the ratepayers and their executive".

The ratepayers association met with mayor Mike Brunker and chief executive John Finlay to discuss their concerns with rates costs in December.

The Community Plan has been dubbed by council as their “conversation with the community.”

Councillors have visited Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine to hear what community members would like to have included in the 10 year plan.

Mr Moscato said there had been some angst expressed by members who felt their opinions would fall on deaf ears.

Airlie Beach residents can have the opportunity to have their say next Tuesday, March 8 at the Reef Gateway Hotel

There will be two sessions from 10am -12.30pm and 5.30pm - 8pm.