The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has approved a Special Rate Variation (SRV) for Upper Hunter Shire Council – its first in a decade.
The approved variation allows for a 10% increase in general rates each year for three years. This includes IPART’s annual rate peg of 4.3%, with the remaining 5.7% attributable to the SRV. The total cumulative increase over three years will be 33.1%.
Mayor, Maurice Collison said the additional income will help Council address infrastructure challenges while avoiding major service reductions.
“This isn’t something we’ve done lightly, this is the first time in a decade that IPART has approved an SRV from Upper Hunter Shire Council. While many other councils have made a number of SRV applications over the last decade. Upper Hunter Shire Council has maintained the recommended IPART rate peg over this period,” Mayor Collison said.
“By the third year, the average increase for a residential property in the shire will be around $4 per week but the long-term benefits to our community are substantial. This modest investment will allow us to continue and improve maintenance of local roads, enhance waste services, and ensure our community facilities remain safe and accessible for years to come.”
The SRV application was lodged with IPART in February, following extensive community consultation throughout 2024.
Council says its draft 2025/26 budget, which is currently on public exhibition, was prepared on the assumption that the SRV would be approved. Without this approval, significant adjustments would have been required to remove unfunded projects, it said. The budget including the IPART determination will be considered at the June 30 Council meeting.
“We’re committed to transparent communication about how these funds will be used,” said Mayor Collison.
“Residents can track our progress on key projects through regular updates on Council’s website and community newsletters.”
More information is available at: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Council/Special-Rate-Variation.
