Northern Beaches Council rates are aligned with inflation, with no rate rise outside of the capped 2.3% suggested by the NSW Government (via their authority body IPART) for all councils across NSW.

On Tuesday night, Council voted to include the capped rise in their budget, ensuring that we continue to maintain and improve on levels of service and allow adequate funding for the continuation of current and planned projects across the Northern Beaches.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan reiterated that inflation needs to be factored into the collection of rates, to prevent the possibility of placing Council’s financial viability at risk and avoid any impact on service delivery.

“Let me reassure you that the rate freeze as proposed by the NSW Government remains in place until at least 2020 as Council continues its transition to one Council.

“It is the Council’s intent to keep up with inflation which will equate to an average of a $31 increase per household, per year, which for some households will be offset by reductions to domestic waste charges by as much as $94.

“Although there has been some opposition to the notion of maintaining the 2.3% capped rise, it would be reckless and irresponsible for Council to not adjust rates being appropriately aligned with inflation. The projected surpluses of the new Council allow us to pay off the debts of the former Councils and also pay for new infrastructure requirements.  

“The Draft Delivery Program which includes the proposed 2018/2019 budget is currently on public exhibition. If accepted by Council, domestic waste charges will either fall or not increase across the region.

 “For a standard 80 Litre service, the proposed charge for the former Manly ratepayers will be reduced from $630 to $536 which is a 15% decrease or a $94 saving. The charge for former Pittwater ratepayers would be reduced from $609 to $518, also a 15% decrease or a $91 saving. The former Warringah ratepayers would be charged $389 which equates to no increase in charges.

“In the 2018/2019 proposed budget, the average residential rate will increase by $31 from $1,399 to $1,430 and the average domestic waste charge for a standard 80 litre putrescible service will decrease by $51 from $516 to $465, resulting in an overall average saving of $20.” Mayor Regan said.

The proposed rate path also ensures Council can continue to deliver much needed improvements to infrastructure to support the community. This includes projects such as new footpaths, playground improvements, upgrades to sports-fields, grant programs to the community, arts and culture improvements like the proposed new Creative Space and Art Trail.