On 1 September 2026, IPART held an online workshop with ratepayers from across NSW to discuss the 2027-28 rate peg and other local government issues. The workshop provided information on IPART’s role, and the rate peg process and gave participants the opportunity to provide feedback on matters relevant to the 2027-28 rate peg.
The workshop included three sessions:
1. Information Session
We explained IPART’s role with local government rates and provided an overview of the framework for regulating council rates in NSW. This included our methodology for setting the rate peg, the factors considered in determining the rate peg, IPART’s role in assessing special variations (SVs), and responses to questions submitted by ratepayers before the workshop.
2. Proposed adjustments to the 2027-28 rate peg
We presented proposed adjustments to the rate peg, including a proposed cybersecurity adjustment factor and a proposal to round the statutory minimum rate to the nearest cent. Participants had the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions about the proposals.
3. Open forum discussion
Participants discussed a range of issues relating to the 2027-28 rate peg and local government. Topics raised included affordability, council efficiency and accountability, special variations, tourism-related costs, and council financial sustainability.
The workshop materials are available below:
• Agenda
• Presentation slides
• Summary of discussion at the ratepayer workshop (Fact sheet)
Thank you to everyone who attended the workshop and contributed to the discussion. IPART will consider the views expressed by participants in making its decisions on the 2027-28 rate peg.