Gunnedah Shire Council says it is considering a Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal in a bid to maintain, and potentially enhance the services the community currently receives.
The potential application will be for a permanent SRV of 38.88% over two years. This will be comprised of a 24% increase in the first year (2025/26) and a 12% increase in the second year (2026/27). Both years include an assumed rate peg of 5%.
It will begin initial community consultation on the SRV over the next few weeks.
Deputy Mayor, Rob Hooke (pictured) says he believes the rate variation will allow Council to deliver a bright future for the region.
“The difficulty Council faces around financially sustaining existing services and maintaining infrastructure within the existing income levels is not unique to our region and is one that many Councils across NSW are facing at this time,” Cr Hooke said.
“Like other Councils, we have been negatively impacted over time by the rate peg not keeping up with actual cost increases, reduced levels of financial assistance, cost shifting from other levels of government and an expanding infrastructure base, which is needed to support our growing community.
“The proposed SRV will ensure the timely maintenance of essential infrastructure like roads, bridges, sporting fields, playgrounds, and community facilities which we use every day, and would allow Council to work towards the communities’ future aspirations.”
He says the primary reasons the Council is investigating an SRV include:
- To maintain current services: Ensuring council can continue to provide the same level of services and infrastructure maintenance;
- Improving services: Enhancing or expanding existing services or adding new services to meet the needs of our growing community;
- Financial sustainability: Addressing budget shortfalls and ensuring the long-term financial health of the council.
The proposed SRV would only apply to the rates portion of the bill (usually listed as the first item on the bill e.g., ‘Residential Gunnedah’) and not the separately listed essential charges such as waste and water, the Council said in a statement.
The SRV application process involves submitting a detailed proposal to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), outlining the reasons for the requested increase and how the additional revenue would be used.
“It is important that everyone understands that this a process to have the conversation regarding a potential SRV. Council will not make a final decision on an SRV application until later in the year, once the initial community consultation has been undertaken,” the Council said.
www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/proposed-special-rate-variation.
