New Rates 2021 Consultation

Update on New Rates 2021

Georges River Council resolved, at its February 2021 Extraordinary Council meeting, to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a staged increase to the total rates that Council can collect.

Council’s proposed Rate Variation, and new Minimum Rates, have been approved in full by IPART. IPART - Special Variations & Minimum Rates 2021-22 (nsw.gov.au)

Read the ratepayer summary or you can access the full determination.

Community consultation over the last two years reinforced that the community expects a far more equitable and fair rating system and how important the services provided by the Council are to the community. When the community was asked what could be reduced or ceased there was no clear choice and it was apparent the diverse range of services offered by Council are all valued in the community.

Council is planning a new rating system from 1 July 2021 so it can:

• meet the mandatory NSW Government requirement for one rates system across the Georges River local government area
• create better equity between houses and apartments
• maintain the service standards you value for future generations

Council continues to be committed to reducing the burden on our ratepayers by finding savings and efficiencies in all our activities. The planned changes described in this update were developed after comprehensive community consultation in 2019. The total amount of money that can be collected in rates by a council is set by the NSW Government and any changes need the Minister's approval. Before we seek approval we want to explain the proposal and let you know what it means for you.

What is the proposal?

Meeting the mandatory requirement for one rating system

Currently the former Kogarah and Hurstville Council areas have different rating systems. Last year the community told us it wants a single, consistent and more equitable approach to rates across the Georges River. Council will create a new single minimum rate which will in effect increase the minimum rate in the former Hurstville to the same level as the current Kogarah rate. This would reduce the gap between rates charged for houses and apartments.

At the same time, Council is proposing to ensure service and financial sustainability by seeking permission to increase its total rates income to manage past and future population growth and increasing service demand. This is proposed as a gradual increase over 5 years.

You can find more information on the proposal here.

What happens if the proposal isn’t approved?

Council’s service portfolio is complex and diverse. It provides 200 services which our community members value, and are essential to a thriving and growing community.

If the Council’s total rate income does not increase over the next 5 years as proposed by this rate increase, we will be forced to reduce or cease many services. We will be unable to respond to the needs of future population growth which will continue to strain service quality. This will result in higher use/overuse of current assets and poorer condition standards.

Council has and will continue to find savings, efficiencies and implement improved operating models but without the rate income increase, deep cuts to services will be inevitable.

Find out more on how the new rates will affect you

You can find more information on how the new rates will affect you, including useful videos, a rates calculator, FAQs and a breakdown of impact by suburb to help understanding the changes here.

Council hosted four webinars that explained the changes and provided an opportunity for Q&A.

Wednesday 4 November 6:00-7:30pm.

Saturday 7 November 10:00-11:30am.

Thursday 12 November 6:00-7:30pm.

Saturday 21 November 10:00-11:30am.