On Tuesday 28 January 2025, Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Variation to rates. The application was submitted on 3 February 2025.
The resolution followed an extensive 8-week consultation process including a letter to every rate payer, face to face engagement and an opt-in survey.
What was IPART's decision?
On 15 May the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) partially approved Council’s Special Variation application It endorsed rate increases for the first two years:
2025/26: 12.1% increase (including the 3.8% rate peg)
2026/27: 11.7% increase (including the rate peg)
Funding in the first two years allows Council the opportunity to maintain financial sustainability, preserve community infrastructure and continue delivering high-quality services.
What does this mean for ratepayers?
In 2025/26, the average ratepayer would see an increase of $42 per quarter, or $168 per year (including the rate peg).
You can read the full report on the IPART website and information on Council’s website.
Why was a Special Variation considered?
The application was the result of the impacts of rising inflation on construction and materials and day-to-day Council operations, loss of income from the pandemic and massive cost shifting from other tiers of government threatening Council’s long-term financial sustainability.
The increases to rates applied under the NSW Government’s rate peg system (which is similar to a CPI for councils) did not keep up with the increasing external costs Council face and this gap is increasing every year.
Without a Special Variation Council would have needed to cut the services the community reasonably expect us to deliver.
How will the additional funds be used?
Sixteen million dollars raised by the IPART approved Special Variation will fund:
- $8 million for improvements to roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure
- $5 million to improve facilities, rockpools, playgrounds and grass mowing schedules
- $3 million to expand tree maintenance and planting, compliance services, environmental and natural risk reduction programs and natural disaster management.
What has Council done to cut costs?
Council has endorsed a comprehensive improvement plan to find millions of dollars in ongoing and new savings which will also form part of the IPART application.
These savings are on top of the $29.5m per year saved since amalgamation, which includes:
- $6 million in back office operating costs
- $7.4 million in agency personnel, insurance, fleet and employee costs
- $2.5 million annual savings through a renewable energy contract
- reduced interest by paying down $81 million in loans inherited from former councils.
What if I can’t afford my rates?
If you are experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to apply for relief. Please contact us on 1300 434 434 and we will talk you through your individual situation and assist.
Please also visit this page for more information on support services available.