When does a decision get made about this rate rise issue?

Published on 29 September 2023

The Kempsey community is currently being asked for submissions, questions and survey responses on a potential rate rise, with a deadline of mid-October. This is only one step in a decision that will not be finalised until June next year.

Kempsey Shire Council is currently investigating whether to make an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation. Details are available at ksc.pub/financialfuture or by contacting Council.

Despite a four-year financial sustainability review and action program, a deficit of $103 million is forecast over the next 10 years if significant actions aren’t taken.

The current community engagement has focussed on explaining the financial issues, outlining the three possible rate rise scenarios, and seeking feedback on the services the community would consider reducing if a rate rise isn’t tolerable.

Already more than 420 survey responses and submissions have been received from across the Shire.

This community feedback, along with detailed independent analysis of whether the community would have capacity to pay increased rates, and options for ongoing cost savings, will be reported to Councillors at the November meeting where Councillors will be asked to resolve whether to submit an application for an SRV in February 2024.

If an application is made, IPART is not expected to confirm the outcome until May. All the materials supplied by Council, will be judged against six key criteria, including financial management, community engagement, and the savings Council has identified. IPART will also accept community submissions made directly to them as part of their assessment process.

Should IPART ultimately approve the application, the actual rates will still be set by Council. This means a final decision about the rates for next year and beyond will not be made until June 2024. As with all of Council’s major financial and strategic planning decisions, this will be detailed in business papers published online a week before the meeting with members of the public invited to speak at a public forum.

All ratepayers are encouraged to visit ksc.pub/financialfuture to learn more on this important issue and to have your say.