North Sydney Council has welcomed the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) approval of its application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV), which will see a 52.66% increase applied over three years.
Mayor, Zoë Baker said the approval would help Council respond to growing infrastructure needs while maintaining essential services.
“This approval is an important step towards restoring Council’s long-term financial sustainability and ensuring we can continue to provide the infrastructure, services and public spaces our community relies upon,” Mayor Baker said.
“The primary focus of the SRV is infrastructure renewal and reducing asset backlog, while also supporting improved systems, governance and service delivery into the future.”
The Council says that over the past three years, it has implemented governance, financial and operational reforms to help minimise the impact of rate increases on the community.
Council Chief Executive Officer, Therese Cole said the approval would support Council’s continued transition to more proactive and sustainable management of its assets and services.
“This decision provides Council with greater capacity to address infrastructure renewal needs, improve organisational systems and continue delivering better long-term outcomes for the community,” she said.
Council’s Productivity and Improvement Plan has identified savings and new revenue, reducing the need for a larger rate increase while reinforcing Council’s commitment to careful financial management and transparency, said the Mayor.
“Council understands the impact any increase in household costs can have on residents and businesses,” she said.
“We remain committed to responsible governance, ongoing productivity improvement and ensuring these funds are directed towards the long-term sustainability, liveability and resilience of North Sydney.”
Council will now update its Long-Term Financial Plan and Delivery Program to reflect IPART’s determination and proceed with implementing its financial sustainability pathway.
Meanwhile, Ku-ring-gai Council has also received approval for a Special Rate Variation. The approval is for a 24.6% special rate variation (SRV) and 4.4% rate peg – a total of 29%.
The Council says the SRV will deliver an additional $20.7 million each year dedicated to funding improvements to community buildings, stormwater drainage, footpaths, recreational facilities, traffic and transport infrastructure, and for repayment of a loan for the new St Ives Indoor Sports Centre.
Mayor, Christine Kay said the Council was faced with “trying to fix past under-investment and a growing backlog of ageing infrastructure” while costs continued to rise.
“The increase will address community expectations and modern standards for critical local infrastructure,” sh esaid.
Read IPART’s Final Report for North Sydney Council: Final Report – North Sydney Council – Special Variation and Minimum Rate 2026-27 | IPART.
