Ku-ring-gai councillors will meet at the council’s chambers to vote on the proposed increase this month.Edwina PicklesHouseholds in the region would pay some of the highest residential rates in Sydney – behind only Hunters Hill and Wollondilly – if the 30.4 per cent rate rise was approved. Business rates would increase by an average of $1757 a year.
Ku-ring-gai councillors will meet this month to vote on community consultation report relating to the proposed special rate variation which,if supported,would apply from next year and remain a permanent fixture of the council’s rate revenue.
The impending vote comes after the councilmade headlines for booking a two-night retreat at the luxury Hydro Majestic Hotel in the Blue Mountains,where councillors met to discuss the rate rise process. The retreat cost ratepayers $20,000.
A report published by the council this week has recommended councillors support the increase,which it says is needed to pay for essential services and infrastructure including stormwater drains,footpaths and other council-managed assets.
The proposed increase would apply to more than 40,000 residential ratepayers.Nick MoirThe proposed rate rise has sparked a mixed response among residents. Early consultation by the council showed that while most respondents expressed support for a rise to fund ageing infrastructure,others have expressed concern over financial impacts on households experiencing cost-of-living pressures.
Despite the mixed responses,a report by the council found most residents had “capacity to pay” the increase based on the region’s high socioeconomic advantage.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay this year indicated support for the rate rise to fund upgrades to council infrastructure.
“The council is already facing a large infrastructure backlog and the risks are that the backlog will continue to increase and key infrastructure assets will continue to deteriorate,” she said.
“Cost-shifting from the state government,rising costs and the current rates cap means the council must explore the option of alternative funding.”
The proposed increase comes after a parliamentary inquiry into local councils last year outlined significant financial challenges facing the local government sector,largely driven by rising inflation,increased community expectations and cost-shifting.
If supported by councillors,Ku-ring-gai would join a growing list of councils planning rate rises next financial year,including the state’s largest council,Blacktown,which is seeking public feedback on a 15 per cent increase.
The increase would require approval from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. This year,the tribunal considered six proposals from councils,of which five were fully or partially approved,including a 39.6 per cent increase in Northern Beaches Council over three years.
North Sydney Council,which applied for an 87.05 per cent rise over two years,was the only council refused after the regulator found it failed to make a compelling case for the increase.
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