The NSW State Government has mandated that newly-merged councils’ rates be harmonised so that rates are more evenly and fairly distributed across local government areas.

Northern Beaches Council is encouraging the community to have its say on a new approach to rating structures on the Northern Beaches, on public exhibition now until 28 February.

This follows confirmation that the NSW government has responded to Mayor Michael Regan’s call to allow gradual harmonisation over a number of years so as to reduce any sudden impacts on individual ratepayers, and has released their draft legislative changes for comment.

Recognising the additional hardships experienced due to COVID-19, Council is also consulting on an option which would see no change due to harmonisation for ad valorem ratepayers until 2022/23 to support ratepayers and businesses through the next twelve months of recovery.

Mayor Regan said harmonising rates provided a challenge for Council, especially in a COVID environment.

“We know many people are doing it tough right now – especially our business community and those who work in areas like services and hospitality,” Cr Regan said.

“With any harmonisation process there will be positive and negative impacts on individuals. We are consulting on a range of options to reduce the impact of increases including gradual harmonisation and deferment in year one, to support COVID recovery.

“It is important to note that Council does not collect any additional revenue through this process. If you are a resident or business who benefits from a rate decrease through the process, it could also be implemented gradually and/or deferred a year.

“We’d really like to hear community feedback on what they think is the fairest approach to implementation for all our ratepayers.

“I thank the Office of Local Government and the Minister in particular for recognising our unique situation through COVID here on the Northern Beaches and working with us for the benefit of our community.”

Mayor Regan said Council rates and how they are calculated is inherently complex and encouraged ratepayers to join one of the many information sessions so they can understand what is being proposed and have their say.

Gradual harmonisation is subject to legislative change by the State Government with the proposal currently also open for community feedback.

The elected Council will consider all proposals and community feedback at the March Council meeting. Community consultation is open until 28 February.