Independent regulator invites community feedback on proposed rate rise

Published on 27 February 2024

Kempsey ratepayers can have their say on the proposed rate rise over the next three weeks after the NSW government’s independent pricing regulator has called for feedback.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has asked for feedback on Kempsey Shire Council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV) application, with submissions open until Monday 18 March.

Council’s application was submitted on Monday 5 February after extensive community engagement and comprehensive analysis and work by staff.

Community members can read the full application and make a submission between now and 18 March on IPART’s website.

Kempsey Shire Mayor, Leo Hauville, invited all community members to provide feedback to IPART on the SRV application.

“We encourage everyone in the community to engage with IPART and make submissions,” said Cr Hauville.

“The community is a key part of this independent review of Council’s application. Community involvement in our decision-making process is something that we value and are constantly trying to improve on.”

In response to an open letter received from community groups this week, staff will offer to meet with the key stakeholders and welcome any suggestions for operational improvements.

In total, nine NSW councils have applied to IPART for a special variation to increase their income from rates above the rate peg.

IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the Tribunal is now seeking community feedback on all nine applications.

“The Tribunal will assess each application against the criteria established by the Office of Local Government, which require councils to demonstrate the need for the additional revenue, provide evidence of community consultation and detail the impact on affected ratepayers,” Ms Donnelly said.

“Community feedback is an important part of the Tribunal’s assessment of special variation applications and we encourage affected ratepayers and community members to fill out the survey on the IPART website or lodge a submission in relation to any of the applications we’ve received.”

All special variation applications for 2024-25 are available for review on the IPART website, along with a short survey and information about how to lodge a submission.

IPART will accept feedback on special variation applications until 11:59pm on Monday 18 March 2024. IPART will release the final decision on special variation applications in May 2024.

Council will not make a final decision on the rates for the coming year until June and see this independent review as an opportunity to gain an additional perspective.

For more information on the SRV application and process please see Council's dedicated SRV pages at www.ksc.pub/srv