IPART has approved 9 applications from NSW councils to increase their general income by more than the rate peg, and two applications for a minimum rate increase. The Tribunal did not approve one special variation application.
IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal approved special variation applications from Ballina Shire Council, Blacktown City Council, Central Coast Council, Glen Innes Severn Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Ku-ring-gai Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council, North Sydney Council and Uralla Shire Council. Minimum rate increases were also approved for Glen Innes Severn Council and North Sydney Council.
The Tribunal did not approve the special variation application from Cessnock City Council.
“Our decisions reflect a thorough review against the criteria set by the Office of Local Government, while carefully considering stakeholder feedback received during the submission period,” Ms Donnelly said.
“It is now up to elected councillors to decide the next steps. Councils have significant flexibility in how and when they implement approved rate increases. This includes the possibility of deferring these changes for up to ten years, as well as deciding how rates are set for different categories of ratepayers.”
IPART sets a rate peg annually for each of the 128 councils in NSW which caps each council’s increase in the income they collect from ordinary rates. For 2026-27, the core rate pegs range from 2.5% to 4.2% across NSW.
Reports on each of the 10 council special variation decisions, 2 minimum rate decisions, and related documents are now available on the IPART website.
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Media Contact: Hannah Short, 0427 105 865, media@ipart.nsw.gov.au.